Houston Texans NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings
For all of the Houston Texans’ pitfalls on the field these past few years, there’s one thing general manager Rick Smith has become a master at off the field: drafting first-class talent.
In the past six or so years, the Texans have nailed it. Granted, the Jadeveon Clowney saga could still wind up to be a complete bust, drafting names like J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing have given the Texans a solid A grade on Day 1 of the draft recently, and on Thursday, it’s likely they hit another home run.
On offense, the Texans need help, and it starts from the top. Quarterbacks will be looked at with three uncertains on the roster in Brian Hoyer, Tom Savage and Ryan Mallett, and a receiver to replace Andre Johnson, preferably in the slot, is another huge must.
Garrett Graham and Ryan Griffin’s production at tight end last season leaves questions there, too. Preparing for a future without Arian Foster in a few years time isn’t a terrible idea either, if the Texans can find an elite runner without giving up a ton to get there.
Defensively, things aren’t golden, but they are still OK. The Texans will seek an inside linebacker who can jell with Romeo Crennell’s scheme, while a safety and even a cornerback are needed to plug up a secondary that ranked 21st in passing last season.
Unlike a lot of teams, the Texans should feel pretty good about Smith’s decision-making. He’s delivered exactly what the Texans need more often than not, and he has a good feel for negotiations if a trade is really necessary.
So with so many needs, what guys should Smith be looking at? Here’s a glance at the Texans’ big board before Thursday.
Quarterback
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The Texans already have depth at this position, so it’s a matter of deciding if they want to find a franchise quarterback or if they are 100 percent on Mallett and simply want to draft another backup and see if he can turn into the elite guy they are hoping for.
Bill O’Brien normally hates starting young guys, especially rookies. So barring some kind of ridiculous trade or Marcus Mariota falling way later than he should, the Texans are probably looking to draft a quarterback in the mid to late rounds.
1. Bryce Petty, Baylor
Petty has all the fundamentals the Texans will probably be looking for. He’s a smart quarterback, has great size and an accurate deep-ball arm, and he can create a lot of time in the pocket.
It’s hard to say what day Petty will be available, but the Texans could easily use a second-round pick on him depending on if Brett Hundley is still on the board or not at No. 51.
There’s some concern since Petty is a Baylor product, given that the Bears offense is surrounded with highly productive athletes. Still, Petty is a guy Bill O’Brien may be high on, and he is probably the sharpest-looking pick likely to fall outside the first round.
2. Brett Hundley, UCLA
The Texans will probably start Mallett in Week 1, but as far as "next potential franchise guys" go, Brett Hundley is top of the list. He could still be available in the third or fourth round, and after visiting with the Texans earlier in April, he’s got the athleticism and skill to jump in as a starter right away.
Hundley had a down year with the Bruins in 2014, but he still posted 22 touchdowns. He’s obviously overlooked due to Mariota and Jameis Winston, but Hundley’s quick feet and release could make him a weapon in any NFL scheme.
If Hundley were drafted by the Texans, he’d likely compete right away with Hoyer for the top job. He’s not a “soft” quarterback, and is willing to absorb a hit—something Hundley might have to get used to if the Texans don’t find a center.
3. Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
Garrett Grayson has a fantastic deep ball, and he uses his feet well to get set and find a receiver in stride. He’s known for taking the game on, and he challenges secondaries over the top.
There are big concerns surrounding his release, though, as it’s been labeled too slow for an NFL-level quarterback. He does have some potential, especially since he can throw on the run and is a locker-room leader.
Overall, though, Grayson would probably fare as a backup on the Texans’ roster.
4. Sean Mannion, Oregon State
Mannion needs some work in important areas, but what he does have going for him is experience as a four-year starter at Oregon State. He’s a smart signal-caller who was trusted calling audibles, and he looks impressive in play-action passing.
Mannion is likely a fifth- to sixth-rounder, and if he can somehow work on his pocket presence, there is a small amount of upside to his game.
5. Cody Fajardo, Nevada
Fajardo will likely fall to the seventh round or free agency. He’s great in the pocket and shows a lot of confidence finding receivers and throwing an accurate pass. In comparison, he stacks up to Ryan Fitzpatrick rather well, and he just needs to add a little size and better timing on his footwork if he is to have a shot.
If the Texans could find Fajardo in free agency, it could be worth picking him up just to see what he’s got.
Wide Receiver
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Wide receivers are aplenty this year, and that’s good news for the Texans.
Replacing Andre Johnson is one thing, but finding a receiver who can jump into the slot and take some of the attention away from DeAndre Hopkins is another. It’s likely Cecil Shorts will take on this role anyway next season, but Houston still needs to secure a receiver who can turn a simple pass into a lot of yards after the catch.
Ideally, the Texans could also target a receiver with kick return capabilities. Special teams was an area of trouble for the team last season, and if they can find a rookie with top speed and a stocky frame with good ball control, all the merrier.
1. DeVante Parker, Louisville
DeVante Parker should be at the top of the Texans’ big board if he falls to the 16th spot. If that does happen, Rick Smith should fall in love with his production and ability to win contested balls.
Parker has many of the same attributes as receivers that are ranked below him. The difference, though, is the fact that Parker has dropped only three passes since 2012 and seems to respond to pressure from defenders with confidence and ease.
In 2014, Parker had 18 catches of 20-plus yards, which transitions to a serious threat in the NFL.
2. Breshad Perriman, UCF
Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker should go one and two, leaving the door wide open for the Texans.
Dominating in the air and with his physical frame, Breshad Perriman’s downfield speed and 6’2", 212-pound build makes him a sought-after top-round pick. For the Texans, Perriman provides the yards-after-catch threat the team needs and ensures they are getting a receiver who will beat corners from the snap and locate a deep ball over the back.
Perriman has been one of the most talked-about wide receivers for months, and his raw speed would give secondaries headaches when he blows right by defenders.
3. Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
When a receiver is compared to Calvin Johnson, you know he is a big deal.
Dorial Green-Beckham is a monster in the red zone, and due to some unfortunate off-field issues, he could fall to the Texans at No. 16. In close situations with cornerbacks, he fights for separation, and he goes up to chase the ball in the air on any route.
The best part about Green-Beckham is his production. That’s something that comes naturally with freakish athleticism.
4. Nelson Agholor, USC
Another guy that’s good for yards after the catch is Nelson Agholor, but that’s only where it begins. With 9.25-inch hands, Agholor is a natural at the receiver position who can make a quarterback's job so much easier.
He’s great on the outside and has the awareness and skill to stay in bounds on tight sidelines plays. Even better, Agholor is the punt returner the Texans have been waiting for, and with speed that is out of this world, he’s going to score some serious touchdowns at the NFL level.
Agholor averaged 14.6 yards on punt returns at USC. The Texans should like those kind of numbers.
5. Phillip Dorsett, Miami
Reliable is definitely the word to describe Phillip Dorsett. He dropped only one pass of 37 catchable targets last year, and his style screams slot receiver in a potentially explosive offense like the Texans.
Dorsett is another speedy guy who will give zone schemes a headache. His route running could do with some work following an MCL tear in 2013, but Dorsett is a versatile player who can perform on the outside and make plays in the air.
Tight End
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Everything kind of sucked for the Texans at tight end last year. The blocking was lousy, and the production from veteran Garrett Graham and Ryan Griffin was perhaps the underlying factor to the overall struggle on offense.
Some of the problem could certainly fall on Ryan Fitzpatrick last year, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel after so many years of torture at the tight end position for the Texans. This year’s draft offers a handful of talented rookies, and since there are only a few teams seriously interested in the position, the Texans are in a prime spot to land one of them in the first or second round.
1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota
Big bodied and a great ball-carrier, Maxx Williams is at the top of the tight end list this year. For a 249-pound guy, he shows enormous ability to evade defenders, and when he's in open space, he can break tackles and hurdle over guys.
It’s not hard to see Williams developing into one of the few elite NFL tight ends, and even though it’s a big name to live up to, Jason Witten comes to mind.
The great part about this is the Texans may not have to waste a first-round pick to secure Williams. There’s a half chance he slides early into the second round, so a trade scenario could be something Rick Smith thinks twice about.
2. Clive Walford, Miami
Miami’s quarterback situation was dramatic at best last season, but somehow Clive Walford managed to finish with 676 yards and seven touchdowns next to his name. He’s an athletic tight end with strong hands, and if the Texans do miss out on Williams, Walford is the next best thing in the second round.
3. Nick O’Leary, Florida State
Quick and reliable hands describe Nick O’Leary best, and his blocking is probably even a little more polished than Walford’s. He’s an old-school guy who plays without gloves, and if it wasn’t for a hamstring injury sustained at the Rose Bowl, he would probably be a lot higher in many people’s minds.
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Running Back
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The Texans are in great shape at running back, and they still could be even if they excluded drafting one over the next few days.
The thinking here is that it’s important to ensure the future behind Arian Foster, and even though he could still be around for a few years longer, his recent injury history has forced the Texans to address the situation before it becomes a concern.
So far, the Texans have already worked at it. They drafted Alfred Blue a year ago, and after working with Adrian Peterson during the offseason, he looks to be a quality backup runner who should receive the ball more in 2015 under new offensive coordinator George Godsey.
However, running back remains a position of interest for the Texans, and since the free-agent market for runners continues to be rocky, taking a serious look at the talent in this draft class is worthwhile, even if it’s in the mid rounds.
1. Todd Gurley, Georgia
Todd Gurley still has to be at the top of the board, even if the Texans don’t want to address running back until later on.
Given his knee injury, Gurley would have the time to heal behind Arian Foster, come in healthy and perform in a backup role, and eventually take over as the franchise running back behind whomever the Texans decide to put at quarterback.
He’s super strong and the kind of guy that would be ideal in short situations. The Texans will have to either move up to draft him or hope that the Dolphins don’t see what the rest of us do.
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
Melvin Gordon is easily worth a first-round pick, with the kind of acceleration and knack for pass-blocking that the Texans should desire. He’s got the same kind of strength ability as Gurley, but he does struggle in the receiving game.
At Wisconsin, Gordon was the first running back in the country to post 1,000 yards, and he compares nicely to someone like Jamaal Charles. Gordon is more of an outside runner, but given a strong offensive line, he would have no trouble finding holes on the inside to speed through.
3. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
If the Texans do want to wait until the second or third to draft a running back, Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon is likely to be available.
He isn’t in the same class as Gurley or Melvin Gordon, but his skill set is just as impressive. Physically he is lean and a bit on the taller side, but Gordon’s vision to wait for blockers and dive into the hole is what helps produce a high amount of touchdowns.
Yeldon is pretty underrated, but as an Alabama prospect, there’s a good chance he shoots to the top very quickly if he can utilize his speed and burst in the NFL.
4. David Cobb, Minnesota
Instead of drafting someone to develop as a backup, David Cobb could come in right away and contribute. He’s a punishing runner with serious power, and he could be a solid steal in the third round.
Combining Foster with Cobb sounds like a great combination, one that would blend Foster’s elusiveness with Cobb’s downhill running style and pass protection. Cobb almost welcomes any kind of contact, and he has shown in 2014 he has the stamina to handle a big-time workload.
5. Jay Ajayi, Boise State
As a third-rounder, Jay Ajayi is a really well-rounded back that, once familiar with a system, could produce solid numbers in the NFL.
Ajayi isn’t the fastest guy available, but he’s got the vision that guys like Melvin Gordon lack and is a trustworthy receiver in the passing game. His footwork is quick, but after adding some size, he now needs to show he can break through tackles with a second burst of power.
Overall, though, Ajayi’s receiving game really sets him apart. He can line up out wide and run some basic routes, and also catch a pass and turn it into a big gain.
Linebacker
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Romeo Crennel’s new 3-4 defense gets a passing grade since his inception a year ago, but finding an inside linebacker remains a nagging problem that the Texans can’t get rid of.
Jadeveon Clowney’s future is still on the shelf, so if the Texans want to find their next J.J. Watt or Brian Cushing, this certainly is the draft to do just that. There’s a bunch of guys this year who can play inside or outside, and since there is so much talent to choose from, this is likely a second-round pick for the Texans when guys fall out of Day 1.
1. Shane Ray, Missouri (DE, OLB)
Technically Shane Ray is a defensive end, but he feels he can make a transition to outside linebacker, even if some scouts doubt the switch will be a success.
Ray is going to fall in the first round, and maybe even earlier than No. 16, but if the Texans have the chance to take him, they should pull the trigger. Ray recorded 14 sacks a year ago and is one of the most athletic pass-rushers available.
In a 3-4 like the Texans, it would likely take some time for Ray to make the adjustment. His skills do look kind of raw, but he’s a great run-chaser.
2. Eric Kendricks, UCLA (ILB)
Eric Kendricks screams attitude on the field, and he will lay some serious smack in the NFL. He isn’t as quick as someone like J.J. Watt is, but he’s got the kind of power behind him that will knock the ball loose and really intimidate quarterbacks.
Kendricks had 11.5 tackles for a loss last season with the Bruins and three interceptions. He’s the kind of player that covers a lot of the field, and he also has the awareness to swat the ball down before the play even develops.
3. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State (ILB)
The chances that the Texans steal Benardrick McKinney in the second round are pretty high. So why should the Texans take the chance? Simply put, he compares to Brian Cushing with some ol’ thick legs, and he is a massive run-stopper at the inside linebacker spot.
McKinney would really put the pressure on the entire position on the Texans roster. Mike Mohamed still has something to prove, and McKinney’s long arms will make short work of mediocre blocking.
4. Stephone Anthony, Clemson (ILB)
Coming from the No. 1 defense in the nation last year, Stephone Anthony is used to a big-time leadership role at Clemson and is perhaps one of the smartest inside linebackers available on the board.
Anthony's physique is regarded highly, and fortunately for the Texans, he’s probably a Day 2 pick. Anthony could use a little work when it comes to defending the passing game, but he covers tight ends tremendously well and is a fierce tackler one-on-one.
5. Randy Gregory, Nebraska (OLB)
Fast-moving and agile, Randy Gregory battled hard at Nebraska last year and had a solid day at the combine.
Unfortunately for him, he’s also likely to fall out of the first round because of the talent and the question of whether or not he'll fit in with every scheme. For the Texans, though, all that should matter are the 14 passes he batted down last season and his enormous size.
Honorable Mentions: Denzel Perryman, Eli Harold
Cornerback
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Johnathan Joseph remains the No. 1 corner on the Texans’ roster, and with Kareem Jackson’s new contract finally worked out, Rick Smith can look to the draft to not only secure some depth, but also a big-time playmaker to help reverse the Texans’ problems in the secondary.
With a huge cap number and one year left on his contract, though, Joseph may not be the No. 1 guy in Houston for long. The Texans had a huge problem with yards against last season, and at 16, drafting a guy like Trae Waynes or Kevin Johnson isn’t as stupid as it sounds.
It could require a trade, or the Texans might just have to settle for a sleeper on Day 2 or Day 3. Either way, the Texans' future at corner will be decided this year, and it needs to be a home run pick.
1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State
The Texans could go Johnson or Waynes and emerge relatively satisfied. Either could go in the Top 10, but for Waynes, his showing at the combine and 50 total tackles last season make him the top dog at the position this year.
Waynes will see serious playing time for any team this season, and with solid size and strength, it’s not hard to see why. He’s great in bump and run, and particularly fierce on outside receivers close to the sidelines.
Realistically, it might take some negotiating from Smith to move up if the Texans are high on Waynes.
2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
If Kevin Johnson was drafted on Thursday, he might be ready to start immediately.
Johnson excels in man coverage and can defend the run tremendously well. He’s a physical defender who is quick to make a play, and tends to trick quarterbacks into making risky throws to crowded receivers.
Demeanor and attitude is everything in a cornerback, and Johnson has plenty of savage about him. The only problem for the Texans is he could be gone by No. 16.
3. Jalen Collins, LSU
Slipping to the second round isn’t out of the question for Collins, but neither is a late first-round selection.
Collins gets an ‘A’ for effort, because he’d give the Texans nonstop commitment to every play for the full 60 minutes. He’s not afraid to take on taller receivers, and at 6’1", it’s hard to see why he had only one interception last year.
In the air, Collins is stellar, but his timing and anticipation need some work. He was burnt by Amari Cooper last year, and he needs to show more quickness in press man coverage.
Still, Collins is a physical defender who could really excel after learning from a backup role for a year or two.
4. Byron Jones, UConn
Byron Jones was overlooked for a while in the early lead up stages to the draft, but he is now a potential Round 2 pick, and for good reason.
At 6’1", Jones is the ideal height for a corner, and he impressed on his Pro Day with a fast 40 time after sitting out at the combine.
Jones’ lengthy arms make it easy for him to lure the ball in and make a play. He has had shoulder surgery, which is a minor concern, but Jones was a strong tackler at UConn who could perform well for the Texans in press coverage.
5. Marcus Peters, Washington
Another aggressive corner, but Marcus Peters does have a variety of off-field issues to address after the whole Washington dilemma last season.
Tackling is Peters’ specialty, and he is the kind of cornerback who is physically intimidating to receivers. His 2014 season was bumpy in more ways than one, but in 2013, he recorded five interceptions and 55 tackles.
If the Texans are willing to take Tyrann Mathieu as an example, Peters could be a third-round steal. Bill O’Brien is used to dealing with scandals and troubled players, so this option isn’t totally off the table.
Honorable Mentions: Eric Rowe, Ronald Darby, Doran Grant
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