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Jadeveon Clowney NFL Draft Day 2014 Rumor Roundup: SC Defensive End All But a Lock to Go First Overall

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Jadeveon Clowney is the latest NFL Draft prospect to come from the Rock Hill, S.C. pipeline, but he may not much care where he goes within the first five picks Thursday night.

Both ESPN experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both locked in their final mock drafts with Clowney going first overall to the Houston Texans. However, he is not an ideal fit since he played defensive end in a 4-3 defense at the University of South Carolina. Houston is also reportedly considering Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who would fit perfectly in their 3-4 defense.

But Clowney is a freakish athlete and a rare combination of imposing size and strength with agility and speed. He is also going to be the third straight player to come from one of three Rock Hill, S.C. high schools to be drafted in the first round.

"When you're from Rock Hill, it's really sort of the expectation now," Clowney told ESPN. "I know a lot of kids who play football grow up dreaming about being drafted. But in our town, it's more than just a dream.

"A lot of great players have come before me, and a lot more are coming."

Clowney knows he is either going to Houston or to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the third pick. St. Louis has the second overall pick, but seems set on taking Greg Robinson, the offensive lineman from Auburn. Clowney is already trying to make his presence felt in the AFC South.

Intruiged by the idea of potentially teaming up with J.J. Watt, Clowney recently told Yahoo Sports' Dan Wezel Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck should "have his head on a swivel."

John McClain, of the Houston Chronicle, reported this week the Jaguars seem set on taking Johnny Manziel since neither the Texans nor the Rams seem to want the Texas A&M QB.

Jarrett Bell, of USA Today, said Clowney's position may not even matter to the Texans. They could theoretically convert him to a linebacker to better fit their scheme since they are drafting him to be an elite pass rusher anyway.

"I'm ready for it to be over," Clowney told Bell. "I've been tired of this. I wish the draft was like two or three weeks ago."

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