The 2014 NFL Scouting Combine has its headline attraction. South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney told The State he will participate in all drills next month in Indianapolis.
"The numbers I am going to put up are going to be amazing," Clowney said.
Clowney previously said he ran an electronically timed 4.46 40-yard dash, which would have ranked third among running backs and tied for 11th among wide receivers at the 2013 combine. The difference, of course, is Clowney is 6-foot-6 and has a good 70-90 pounds on those skill position players.
NFL Media analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks each have the Houston Texans taking Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick in their initial mock drafts.
"Clowney can single-handedly destroy game plans with his speed, quickness, athleticism and power off the edge," Brooks said. "Scouts may question his maturity and work ethic based on a few on- and off-field hiccups, but there is little doubt that he is the top defensive prospect on the board."
Clowney was also ranked the No. 2 prospect for the draft by NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, behind Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel.
If Clowney lives up to the immense expectations and runs anywhere close to a sub-4.5 40, all the suspense of the draft will start with the second pick because the top spot will be locked up.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
