The Houston Texans are coming off a 9-7 record during coach Bill O’Brien’s first campaign as a head coach. The most interesting move of the offseason will be the quarterback battle between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallet. Hoyer has the experience from having mild success in Cleveland while Mallet is the guy with potential. Both served under Tom Brady in New England during the early years of their career. Will the Texans have enough fire power to compete with the Colts for the AFC South title?
The Texans desperately need another receiver following the Andre Johnson departure. DeAndre Hopkins has the making of a true number one, yet he still needs a running mate. Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong is initially a younger version of Andre Johnson. Strong could become that possession receiver that Houston needs. Louisville’s DeVante Parker is another option if the team decides to go in that direction.
The Texans could also look on the defensive side of the ball to improve. Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel has done a fantastic job of running the defense. The return of Jadeveon Clowney and addition of Vince Wilfork only makes this unit more dangerous. Oregon’s Ark Armstead could become an interesting target after many comparisons have him linked to Calais Campbell. The Armstead pick would give the Texans an embarrassment of riches that could become arguably the best front seven in all of football.
The middle linebacker position could become a target in round 2 after Brooks Reed left for Atlanta. My number one rated inside linebacker in UCLA’s Eric Kendricks. If Kendricks were to fall to Houston in round two the pick becomes a no brainer in my mind. Kendricks excels in pass coverage while also being highly instinctive. Expect the Texans to add offensive line depth later in the draft as well.
Below is the list of players met with as well as every 2015 Houston Draft pick.
Prospects associated with the Texans:
» Malcolm Agnew, RB, Southern Illinois: FCS back had private workout with Texans
» Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska: Nebraska’s leading career receiver worked out for Texans
» Chris Conley, WR, Georgia: Conley has lengthy visit with Bill O’Brien
» Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke: Productive WR worked out for Texans
» Tyeler Davison, DL, Fresno State: Versatile DL worked out for Texans
» Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas: Diggs spotted with Texans at Senior Bowl
» Mario Edwards Jr., DL, Florida State: Versatile FSU DL visits Texans
» Chad Hamilton, OL, Coastal Carolina: Hamilton works out for Texans
» Jordan Hicks, LB, Texas: Talented LB with injury issues has workout for Texans
» Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA: Hundley meeting with Texans officials
» Jerry Lovelocke, QB, Prairie View A&M: Texans attend Lovelocke’s pro day
» Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State: All-SEC ‘backer to visit Texans
» Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford: Montgomery has visit lined up with Texans
» DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville: Conway: Parker would be great replacement for Johnson
» Terry Poole, OT, San Diego State: Versatile OT worked out for Texans
» Josh Shaw, CB, USC: Shaw to work out for Texans
» Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington: Texans have interest in versatile LB
» Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern: Texans will put FCS CB through private workout
» Terrell Watson, RB, Azusa Pacific: Division II RB to work out for Texans
» Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn: Report: Wright to work out for Texans
First round: 16th overall selection
Second round: 51st overall selection
Third round: 82nd overall selection
Fourth round: 116th overall selection
Fifth round: 152nd overall selection
Fifth round: 174th overall selection
Sixth round: 194th overall selection
Sixth round: 211th overall selection
Sixth round: 216th overall selection
Seventh round: 235th overall selection
