NFL Draft 2014: Clowney, Robinson, Bortles, Watkins Taken With Top Picks

The Houston Texans chose the top defensive player in the nation by picking South Carolina star Jadeveon Clowney with the top overall selection of the 2014 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Clowney became the first defensive player taken with the top pick since Mario Williams in 2006, who coincidentally was also taken by the Texans. The 21-year-old has been the subject of intense discussion over his worth ethic, but is also considered one of the best defensive players in years.

After Clowney, the St. Louis Rams selected offensive tackle Greg Robinson of Auburn, with the No. 2 pick. Robinson drew comparisons to legend Jonathan Ogden by Ogden's former teammate and ESPN analyst Ray Lewis.

Blake Bortles was the first quarterback chosen, as the Jacksonville Jaguars selected the Florida native with the No. 3 pick. After Bortles, wide receiver Sammy Watkins was take by the Buffalo Bills at No. 4. The Oakland Raiders chose offensive lineman Khalil Mack of Buffalo at No. 5.

The next two picks were Texas A&M products. Jake Matthews, an offensive tackle, was chosen with the sixth pick by the Atlanta Falcons, followed by Mike Evans, a wide receiver, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Wide receiver Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State was picked No. 8 by the Cleveland Browns. UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr was taken ninth by the Minnesota Vikings. Rounding out the Top 10, Eric Ebron, a wide receiver from North Carolina, was taken by the Detroit Lions.

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has failed to be chosen in the Top 10.