Mel Kiper Jr. picks Jadeveon Clowney to Texans in final mock

ESPN draft expert and analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his final 2014 NFL Mock Draft Thursday, the day of the actual NFL draft, and his final selection for the Houston Texans No. 1 overall selection is …

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Apr 26, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; NFL draft prospect Jadeveon Clowney sits court side during the first half of the game between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Miami Heat in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right, Kiper has the Texans going defense with the No. 1 overall selection, potentially giving the Texans’ defense something that can put fear in many teams in the NFL … an unstoppable pass rush.

Kiper wrote of his No. 1 selection:

"“Clowney is a generational talent — one who still must develop, but a special talent nonetheless — and is more befitting the upside you have to target with the No. 1 overall pick. He can be a difference-maker even as he develops a full arsenal as a pass-rusher.”"

Will Clowney be a Texan?

Kiper also wrote:

"“The mock draft could go up in smoke early if the Texans are able to trade down, and the phone lines are open.”"

This is the smart pick for the Texans, and unless they trade down in this draft, I don’t don’t see how they draft anyone else with the first overall pick in a few hours.