Houston Texans 2011 Mock Draft: Defense, Defense and More Defense
The Houston Texans are seriously a few defenders away from being a Super Bowl contender.
They have a franchise quarterback, the league's leading rusher, the best wide receiver in the league and a Pro Bowl defensive end—they're so close.
The Texans started off the year hot, but came back down to Earth.
This next draft class could take them to the next level.
Here is an early Texans 2011 seven-round mock draft:
Round 1: Brandon Harris (CB, Miami)
1 of 7
Who:
Harris has the potential to turn into a legit shutdown cornerback. He would be the best corner in many draft classes, but he's stuck behind two of the best prospects in the past decade.
Why:
Houston has the worst secondary in the NFL. Rookie cornerback Kareem Jackson is part of the team's future, but that's about it.
Round 2: Rahim Moore (FS, UCLA)
2 of 7
Who:
Moore is a ball hawk at the safety position. He's one of the top prospects in a weak safety class this year.
Why:
The Texans are good at cornerback after picking Brandon Harris; now on to the safety positions, which are just as bad.
Three down, one to go.
Round 3: Marvin Austin (DT, UNC)
3 of 7
Who:
Austin had a chance to be a first-round pick with a successful 2010 campaign. Instead of producing, he got himself suspended for the entire season.
Why:
Not many teams will take a chance on Austin, but the Texans have no choice. The possibility of adding a stud defensive tackle to bolster their run defense in the third round is too good to pass up, even with the risk.
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Round 4: Nate Williams (SS, Washington)
4 of 7
Who:
Williams is a beast at the strong safety position. He's always around the football and will be a tackle machine at the next level.
Why:
The addition of a strong safety is the fourth and final piece of the Texans' secondary makeover. When you face the Colts twice a year, a solid secondary is necessary.
Round 5: Chris Carter (OLB, Fresno St.)
5 of 7
Who:
Carter is a solid mid-round outside linebacker prospect. He's a vocal leader on and off the field.
Why:
The Texans badly need an upgrade opposite of Brian Cushing.
Round 6: Jake Laptad (DE, Kansas)
6 of 7
Who:
Laptad could challenge for time right away as a situational pass-rusher. He has 13.5 sacks in his last two seasons.
Why:
The Texans need more talent at defensive end across from Mario Williams. They may even go for a defensive end higher in the draft.
Round 7: Chase Beeler (C, Stanford)
7 of 7
Who:
Beeler transfered from Oklahoma to Stanford. He could provide quality depth at the center position.
Why:
The Texans can afford to add some quality reserves for the interior offensive line.
David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and writing intern at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer. Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.
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