Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith has admitted that he has been encouraged from what he has seen from Jadeveon Clowney in his injury recovery.

The Texans selected the 22-year-old with the first overall pick in the 2014 Draft, but his rookie season was cut short as he sustained a knee injury which required microfracture surgery.

However, Clowney has made strides towards his recovery in the hope of being fit for the start of the 2015 season.

Smith told reporters: "I've been encouraged and impressed. He's doing well. We expect him to be a major contributor this year."

Clowney recorded seven tackles in his first season in the NFL.