Cleveland Browns: 5 Free agent defensive end targets in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
3. Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
A younger option than both Ansah and Graham scheduled for free agency in 2019 is Jadeveon Clowney. Like Myles Garrett, Clowney was a star in the SEC during his collegiate days and ended up being taken No. 1 overall. In fact, Clowney was so dominant at South Carolina that there were those who felt he should forgo his junior season and just prepare for the draft.
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Clowney did end up playing his final year with the Gamecocks, but he seemed to be going about 50 percent that year — likely trying to stay healthy knowing all he had to do to go No. 1 was be standing upright. The Houston Texans ended up making the selection and he was paired with J.J. Watt. It took a couple of seasons for Clowney to adapt to the NFL — and really the 3-4 defense more than anything.
Like Graham earlier, the Texans pass rusher has yet to hit double-digit sacks, but Clowney does have 18.5 the past two seasons. He’s also fresh off his highest graded season according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) as he was given a score of 88 overall. At just 26-years of age, Clowney is just entering his prime and could be on the verge of superstardom in the NFL.
However, he’s also had questions about his durability as he had knee issues that bothered him early in his career. With that seemingly behind him, Clowney could be in for a big pay day and if the Browns decided to make a move for him, they could have one of the best duos in the game with him and Garrett.