South Caroline defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was chosen as the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft on Thursday night by the Houston Texans.
Owner Bob McNair, a South Carolina alumnus, said multiple times — including this week — Clowney was the best player in the draft.
“He is a remarkable player. He’s one of these players that’s really a once-in-every-10-years kind of physical specimen that comes along,” McNair said.
Auburn offensive lineman Greg Robinson was chosen second overall by the St. Louis Rams, which gives the SEC five of the last eight top two picks in the draft.
Texas A&M quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was expected to be a top 5 pick but fell all the way down to No. 22 with the Cleveland Browns.
The Dallas Cowboys passed on Manziel with the 16th pick, instead taking Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin. The Kansas City Chiefs chose defensive end Dee Ford from Auburn with the 23rd pick.
No Arkansas Razorbacks were selected in the first round. Center Travis Swanson and defensive end Chris Smith could get drafted on Friday.
