I get what you're saying and agree that he can't play the way he did this past season and have success in the NFL, but hear me out.
After his 2012 season Clowney already solidified being a high first round draft pick in the NFL, meaning he was about to reap the reward for dedicating his entire life to his craft, his family wouldn't have to worry about money anymore, etc. Only problem is, despite already being ready, theres that stupid 3 year rule that forced him back to college. So, IMO clowney doesn't have a bad work ethic, isn't lazy, its not that he doesn't care, he just didn't want to get hurt in this one meaningless year that could do nothing positive for him. It would be great to have seen him dominate this past season from a reassurance standpoint but I just can't say I blame the kid.
Imagine if you finally reached your highest goal in life that you've worked so hard to reach only to be told you have to risk not being able to make it 1 more year because of a technicality...Just food for thought and this is all my opinion but..i still see the dominant player from last year when i think of him as a prospect