The Houston Texans had the number 1 overall ranked defense in 2016. So some would say that side of the ball is good to go. That isn’t necessarily true considering how many aging players they have at crucial positions. The Texans desperately need to take care of the quarterback position first, though. If they do not work out a deal for Tony Romo of course. But there still are quarterbacks in this coming draft that could be solid fits in Houston.
Round 1 – Pick 25: Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback from North Carolina
This a player that really was impressive during his combine performance. He showed good footwork, accuracy, and arm strength. Many experts are divided on how high he will go in the draft. I personally believe that with the amount of defensive talent and how many teams need to improve on that side of the ball, Trubisky will fall. One major concern for many GM’s is that Trubisky only has 13 career starts. This leaves a great opportunity for Houston to land the best quarterback in this year’s draft. If Trubisky is there at 25, the Houston Texans need to take him due to physical talent.
Player Comparison: Derek Carr
[NickPoalson]
Round 2 – Pick 57: Jarrad Davis, Linebacker from Florida
When looking at the talent on the Texans defense, one would say, they don’t need help there. But when considering Brian Cushing is aging and has struggled with staying healthy, adding another linebacker may be wise. Cushing still has some time left but adding a player like Davis would give the Houston Texans a talented athletic option at inside linebacker. He adds depth and has the ability to create a pass rush up the middle. Davis would be a great fit in the Houston defense and a perfect 2nd round option.
Player Comparison: Denzel Perryman
Round 3 – Pick 89: Larry Ogunjobi, Defensive Tackle from Charlotte
Ogunjobi is a player that few fans know about but he has the size, strength, and burst to compete in the NFL. This is a player whose college career screams consistency. He has the frame to add 15 to 20 pounds to play the nose tackle position. This could be a good replacement option for veteran Vince Wilfork. Adding a player with his size and athleticism would be a great move.
Player Comparison: Sheldon Rankins
Round 4 – Pick 131: Adam Shaheen, Tight End from Ashland
Another player to Houston that many fans may not know of. That being said, they need to get to know who he is. He is by far the biggest tight end in this years draft class at 6’6″ and 278 pounds. But outside of just being big, he has decent athleticism and is a great blocking tight end. Fiedorowicz has shown improvement and that he can be a consistent receiving option. However, adding Shaheen would give them size and depth at tight end. They can use him in run blocking and play-action.
Player Comparison: Vance McDonald
Round 5 – Pick 169: Dorian Johnson, Guard from Pittsburgh
The Houston Texans need some work on the interior part of their offensive line. They still performed well but they need to get better at opening up rushing lanes for Lamar Miller. Johnson could be a good fit for Houston and help give them depth and a solid run blocker. He has great burst off the line to gain leverage over defenders. This could be a great 5th round selection for Houston!
Player Comparison: Jahri Evans
[Sean2]
Round 6 – Pick 188: Damontae Kazee, Cornerback from San Diego State
After the loss of AJ Bouye, Houston could use some depth at cornerback. Kazee is a lengthy player who is very talented in zone coverage and shows great awareness. He has ball hawk instincts, which every defensive coordinator loves. He finished last season as the Mountain West defensive player of the year with 8 interceptions. Can’t do much better than this in the 6th round.
Player Comparison: Captain Munnerlyn
Round 7 – Pick 243: Ryan Switzer, Wide Receiver from North Carolina
Wes Welker 2.0 right here! Switzer is a player that has nothing that coaches would want when it comes to size for wide receivers. But, Bill O’Brien understands how valuable quick and shifty slot receivers can be due to his time in New England. Players like Switzer are great at moving the chains on crucial third downs and getting open quickly in the red zone. Wes Welker, Cole Beasley, and Andrew Hawkins have shown how valuable a small but quick slot receiver can be. He could really surprise some people with his ability to make quick cuts to get open and potentially help a former teammate, Mitch Trubisky.
Player Comparison: Wes Welker