The Houston Texans are a quarterback away from becoming Super Bowl contenders. That was proved during a Divisional Playoff loss to the Patriots where they kept the game fairly close despite horrific quarterback play from Brock Osweiler. Since Osweiler has been shipped off to Cleveland along with a 2018 2nd round pick just to get rid of his contract. Besides for finding a new signal caller, the future looks pretty bright in Houston. With one of the best rosters in the NFL, what can we expect from the Houston Texans during the 2017 NFL Draft?
The Texans own the 25th overall pick in the first round. With a loaded defensive roster intact, I expect the Texans to target a tackle before the croup runs dry in a weak offensive line class. Duane Brown is one of the better left tackles when healthy but the right tackle spot has been a weak link in Houston. Ryan Ramczyk from Wisconsin could be an excellent fit in round 1. Ramczyk epitomizes that prototypical tough Big 10 lineman. Ramczyk is a better run blocker which is exactly what the Texans leaned on with Lamar Miller. With the expected acquisition of Tony Romo, expect the Texans to invest in offensive lineman to keep him upright.
The 2nd round pick (57th overall) I expect the Texans to add a tight end. The Houston offense features a heavy dosage of tight end usage and could seriously use an upgrade. Gerald Everett from South Alabama seems to be the perfect fit. With blocking specialist tight ends in-house with Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz, the Everett addition would give the Texans an elite pass catching tight end option in the middle of the field. Everett comes in the mold of Jordan Reed and could be one of many options available.
In the 3rd or 4th round, look for Houston to target defensive lineman. The Texans manufactured most of their interior line pressure a year ago with Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney lining up at middle linebacker on 3rd downs with a stunt blitz. With the return of J.J. Watt and a steady nose tackle D.J. Reader who shined as a rookie in 2016, Houston could use a complimentary defensive end. Isaac Rochell is one player who could have a really bright future. Rochell really shined during the Senior Bowl week and looks to replicate the success of another former Notre Dame defender Stephon Tuitt. Like Tuitt, Rochell would be the perfect five technique for the Texans with the ability to create pass rush.
Houston could also target a running back late in the draft. With a lack of depth behind Lamar Miller, selecting one in the draft makes a lot of sense. James Connor from Pitt could be the answer. Connor, known as a downhill runner, could give the Texans a nice 1-2 punch with the shiftier Miller. In what in an immense running back draft class. There’s a lot of options the Texans could choose from.
