Houston Texans: Checking in on Jadeveon Clowney

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 31, 2015

After a recent report by Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is able to walk without a limp after having surgery late last year. One can only imagine what it’s like to endure such a disappointing rookie season but Clowney is seemingly doing well in rehab even though no specifics in how far he’s coming along have been released.

The Houston Texans absolutely need him to live up to the expectations that he came with when he was originally drafted last year.

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after making a sack for a safety during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

If the Texans want to be competitive in the AFC South, it must start with the emergence of Clowney. Paired up with defensive end J.J. Watt, Clowney could be the catalyst the Texans need to really make some noise next season in the division.

More from Houston Texans

While the Texans might have found their next franchise quarterback in Brian Hoyer thanks to free agency, I honestly believe their defense is what could send them to the NFL playoffs if everything comes together.

It all really starts with Clowney since if healthy, he could the driving force in winning plenty of football games by having a stout defense. At 6’5 and 266 pounds, Clowney was drafted into the NFL with hopes of continuing the destruction he caused with the University of South Carolina.

Unfortunately, with two surgeries on his right knee in the past year alone due to a torn lateral meniscus, there is a possibility he might never live up to his potential. Nobody will know until he gets some significant time playing in the regular season but his rehab seems to be going alright which is good news.

Hopefully this is the start for preparing his return to organized team activities and training camps this summer. While many feel he might end up being a bust due to missing most of his rookie season, it’s too premature to believe that is the case at this point in time.

I still think with the way he’s going and giving him the support he needs to mentally get through this, he should be just fine. Once he gets to play in the regular season and builds his confidence up, he will return to his all-pro college form.

Nov 23, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker

Jadeveon Clowney

(90) in action against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts are the creme of the crop within the division thanks to the success of Andrew Luck. If the Texans can get the most out of their defense and Clowney comes back with a vengeance, they could make life pretty difficult for Luck and company.

With veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork acquired via free agency, the Texans might have one of the best defensive lines in football. With Clowney committed to doing many hours of rehab per day, it’s only a matter of time before he is able to resume football activities and hopefully not miss a beat.

Overall, it’s unfortunate that such a talent had to deal with a serious knee injury to start their professional football career but Clowney is a natural born competitor that refuses to give up. His work ethic continues to be strong as this is just a minor setback as he could very well be the missing part of a winning defensive formula for the Texans.

Next: Houston Texans: Evaluating quarterback situation for 2015

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Houston Texans