NEW YORK — The Houston Texans have made South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney the first pick in the NFL draft.

Considered a budding NFL star even when he was a freshman, Clowney brings size, speed and power to a Texans lineup that already has 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.

But his work ethic has been questioned after he slipped from 13 sacks to just three in 2013. Critics said he was protecting himself from injury before declaring early for the draft.

Houston previously made the top pick in two drafts, taking quarterback David Carr in 2002.

He never lived up to that billing. They took DE Mario Williams in 2006, but he left for Buffalo in 2012.