JJ Watt has said that Houston Texans teammate Jadeveon Clowney has had time to "mature" as he prepares for his second season in the NFL.

The AFC South side used the first overall pick in last year's Draft to acquire the linebacker, but he spent most of his rookie season sidelined with injury.

The current Defensive Player of the Year told reporters: "I think obviously we want to get him back on the field, that's the first thing, we want to get him healthy. But I have seen him mature, I can say that. It's a good sign.

"He's been growing as a person and we're excited to get him back on the field, whenever that may be and I think he's going to be a good addition to our team when he comes back."

Clowney underwent microfracture surgery on his knee in December, and is yet to return to the field during the team's offseason drills.