Jadeveon Clowney: I should go No. 1

— -- COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney says he should be the first player selected in the NFL draft, and on Wednesday he answered several questions for the Houston Texans, the team with that pick.

The biggest question surrounding Clowney has been his work ethic, which arose this past season, when he had only three sacks after having 13 the year before. Texans coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith said they have no concerns about that after having dinner with the 6-foot-6, 266-pound Clowney on Tuesday and then watching his pro day workout at Williams-Brice Stadium on Wednesday.

"I am satisfied with his work ethic," Smith said. "Those questions have been answered for me. I'm satisfied with the information I got and my interpretation of his level of effort as well."

A question for the Texans specifically was whether Clowney could play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. O'Brien and Smith said they were satisfied he can after watching him go through position drills for coaches and scouts from 30 of the league's 32 teams.