Perfect Picks: Houston Texans

With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.

We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper. 

Round 1 - Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

Having exploded onto the scene as a freshman at Oregon, it’s fair to say the draft media has slowly drifted away from Thibodeaux. A player that’s been on the radar as long as Thibodeaux always loses some traction. It’s unfair to him, he’s a long, explosive pass rusher, unstoppable at his best. The ceiling is sky high and I think the Texans, with so many holes, would struggle to pass up on that.

Round 2 - Breece Hall, RB, Iowa

It seems a stretch for a team so in need at multiple spots to spend high draft capital on a running back. That said Breece Hall’s combine proved not only is he a productive, workhorse back, but an athlete to boot. His lateral agility and burst are clear to see and the Texans should move on from the David Johnson disaster trade, in favour of a younger, cheaper model. If the Texans roll with Davis Mills, a powerful running game is a must.

Mid Round Gem - Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska

Photo Credit: huskers.com

The Texans have several young pieces along the offensive line, whether they develop into solid starters is yet to be determined. There is set to be a gap at center with the departure of Justin Britt. Cam Jurgens tape is a really fun watch. It’s full of speed and violence. He is an excellent second-level blocker and has made the effort to bulk up over 300lbs to persuade NFL teams he can cope at the next level. He represents a potential starter at a great value.

Late Round Sleeper - Kevin Austin Jr, WR, Notre Dame

Notre Dame began the season searching for an answer at receiver. They found it from an unlikely source in Kevin Austin Jr. Having only been targeted 13 times, due to injury and suspension, in his previous two years. His stat line of 888 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, was enough to propel him to the pros. He has 6’2 size and remarkable athleticism as demonstrated by a stellar combine showing. He is exactly the type of late round pick the Texans need to hit on if they are to be successful in their rebuild.

Draft In Full:

3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon

37. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

68. Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa

80. Damone Clark, LB, LSU

136. Cam Jurgens, C, Nebraska

182. Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State

204. Kevin Austin Jr, WR, Notre Dame

206. Joshua Williams, S, Fayetteville State

243. Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State

Mock Draft

Rory-Joe Daniels

Cfb contributor

formerly writing for the inside zone, rory will be breaking down college tape and keeping you up-to-date with all things CFB for the touchdown. an avid bengals fan, you can also find some of rory’s work at stripehype.com.

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