Survey Texans players and coaches about third-year outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, and they agree that if he stays healthy, he will begin to show why he was the first overall pick in the 2014 draft.

No one has to tell Clowney what he's capable of accomplishing if he avoids the injuries that have stunted his growth as a big-time pass rusher.

"Staying on the field - that's the biggest step for me this year," Clowney said Monday after the second practice at training camp. "Play more games, play all 16, really."

After making an impressive recovery from microfracture surgery on his knee, Clowney had a foot injury last season. Overall, he missed three games, left three others and sat out the playoff loss to Kansas City.

"Taking care of my body was the biggest thing for me this offseason," he said. "I think I'm doing a good job of that.

"I stretched a lot more, went to yoga (and a) chiropractor. I did everything that I wasn't doing before. It's starting to help me a lot, so everything is coming together at the right time."

Standing in front of the media Monday, Clowney looked slimmer. He disclosed that his weight had reached 284, and now he's down to 265.

"I lost a little weight, but I'm stronger than I was last year," he said. "I leaned out."

Quicker path to QBs

Proper diet and hard work should give Clowney a quicker first step and a better closing burst to the quarterback.

"Speed and strength is key to playing and staying on the field," he said.

"My teammates are counting on me, and I'm counting on myself to come out here and perform. I let my game speak for itself."

Clowney doesn't play left end with his hand on the ground like the injured J.J. Watt, but he should get more repetitions with Watt rehabbing from back surgery.

"I still have to do my job regardless of who is (or isn't) out here," he said. "I'm going to step up my role knowing he isn't here."

Bill O'Brien doesn't want to go overboard on his praise of Clowney, but it's obvious the coach is pleased with what he sees.

"He's healthy, (and) he's had a really good offseason," O'Brien said. "When he's played, he's played very well.

"He's an explosive player. We look for him to continue to get better and make a lot of plays."

Versatility prized

Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel moves his players around. Clowney has to be able to react instead of thinking and hesitating.

"He's a very smart player, an instinctive player," O'Brien said. "He's very good in the meetings. He understands multiple positions. He can play outside backer. He can play defensive end in a four-down scheme. He can go inside and do a number of different things. He definitely understands his role."

Clowney feels more confident in his third camp.

"I'm way more comfortable than I was last year and the year before because I know the system," he said. "I know our playbook. We tweak little things here and there every time, so I have to adapt to that. Other than that, everything else is coming along good."