Former South Carolina Gamecocks pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney has claimed that a good defense is more important than a good offense in the NFL.

Clowney is regarded as the top defensive prospect in this year's Draft, with some projections putting him as the number one overall pick ahead of offensive players such as quarterback Johnny Manziel.

The 21-year-old talked up the importance of having a quality defense, pointing to the success of the Seattle Seahawks last season after they thwarted a record-breaking Denver Broncos offence to cruise to the Super Bowl crown.

"Of course you see the Super Bowl championship game. Defence won that game, shut them down, shut them out. It takes defence to win a championship. Hands down. Seattle proved that," Clowney told reporters.

"Even though you had a great quarterback, Peyton Manning, hats off him also, but defence won the Super Bowl, wins games."

Meanwhile, Clowney revealed that he would be keen to join the Atlanta Falcons if they traded up to pick him early in the Draft.