After trotting out the likes of Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and Brandon Weeded last season, the Houston Texans used free agency to fill their big need and signed quarterback Brock Osweiler to a huge contract. With seven picks in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, can they surround Osweiler with some much needed help at the skill positions, while plugging in some of their other needs on defense?
Find out below as we select players with the Texans’ top five picks. Meanwhile, check out our team-centric mock drafts for the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.
NEEDS at WR: DeAndre Hopkins has emerged as a legitimate superstar wideout, but the Texans’ potential No. 2 receiving options – Cecil Shorts and Jaelen Strong – are mediocre at best. New quarterback Brock Osweiler will need at least one more reliable receiver to call upon in the passing game.
STRENGTHS: If a ball’s thrown anywhere near the vicinity of Doctson, chances are he’s going to catch it. With his 6-2 frame, he was able to get his sure hands on a lot of balls in TCU’s Air Raid offense, and he dropped just six last season. He may not be an absolute burner despite a 4.50 40 time, but he did use his 41-inch vertical and elite body control to make some outstanding acrobatic catches.
NEEDS at DE: After allowing Jared Crick to walk in free agency, the Texans now have a vacancy at the defensive end spot opposite JJ Watt. Jeoffrey Pagan and Brandon Dunn don’t exactly have the best pedigree, so they’ll need someone who can contribute immediately and capitalize on all the attention placed on Watt.
STRENGTHS: Kaufusi was outstanding as both a run stopper and pass rusher among 3-4 defensive ends in college last season. He’s got good burst for his size, as well as an outstanding motor. While he doesn’t have the natural flexibility that elite pass rushers have, he more than makes up for it with his varied pass rush moves. He is also highly regarded in terms of intangibles like work ethic and leadership.
Round 3: Pick #22 (85th overall) – S Darian Thompson – Boise St.
NEEDS at S: Houston’s defense is pretty good as it is, ranking No. 8 in defensive DVOA last season. But in order to stay in that elite level, the Texans could do with an upgrade at safety after losing Rahim Moore in the offseason.
STRENGTHS: Thompson has the anticipation and ball-skills of a classic free safety. He’s quick to diagnose plays, read quarterbacks and jump routes, and has the athleticism to make very good plays on the ball. He’s also no slouch against the run, as he plays with the necessary strength and aggressiveness.
NEEDS at OT: Left tackle Duane Brown should be ready to start the season after tearing a quad muscle in Week 17, but at 30 years old, he’s not getting any younger. The Texans could be smart to groom a potential successor, as well as possible insurance should Brown go down with another injury.
STRENGTHS: As an underclassman coming out early, Hawkins is still not the finished article, but he has the look of a natural left tackle. He’s got very good coordination and footwork to mirror incoming rushers. He’s quick off the snap, which makes him an effective cut blocker. He’s also got the long arms to keep rushers at bay, and has the awareness to switch blocks smoothly.
Round 5: Pick #20 (159th overall) – TE Thomas Duarte – UCLA
NEEDS at TE: Osweiler will need as many weapons as possible, and having a tight end who can be a safety valve in the middle of the field is one of them. But with all due respect to CJ Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin, neither is a good enough receiver to fit the bill.
STRENGTHS: There’s a reason Duarte played wide receiver in college. He can move incredibly smoothly for a 6-2, 231-pound man, and has the ability to stop and start in an instant. He’s still got to learn the ins and outs of being a tight end, but his speed and ability to cause mismatches at the position will be worth any growing pains.
The Texans have seven picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
