2011 NFL Draft: First Round Prospects For the Houston Texans
After starting the season 4-2, the Houston Texans lost eight of their final 10 games, finishing their dismal season at 6-10.
At a time when Texans fans expected their team to take the next step by making the playoffs, Gary Kubiak led the team to its worst record since 2006. This was perhaps the most disappointing season in Houston sports history.
The Texans had the NFL's leading rusher in Arian Foster and posted just under 27 points per game, good for fourth in the NFL. But the exceptionally bad defense acted as an iceberg to this Titanic offense.
The offense is sound. Adding another prime receiver to compliment Andre Johnson would be great, but general manager Rick Smith must focus on the defensive side of the ball in April's draft.
Frank Bush has been fired and Wade Phillips is the front-runner to take his place. If that happens, he will likely revamp this defensive unit and perhaps switch to a 3-4 scheme.
Let's explore some possible draft choices for the Houston Texans in the early rounds of the 2011 draft. The Texans will draft 11th.
Patrick Peterson (CB), LSU
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Patrick Peterson is simply a beast. He is one of the rarest talents in recent memory and many experts predict him to become the next elite cornerback in the NFL.
Peterson, a consensus All-American, demonstrated his versatility this year by returning punts and kicks for the Tigers. He finished second in the SEC and fourth nationally in punt returns with an average of 29.34 yards per return. He also had two return TDs.
This is literally icing on the cake for Peterson. His skills at the cornerback position are unmatched. Many argue he's the best college cornerback since Charles Woodson.
He had four interceptions this season and seven in his three year career at LSU but his ability to shut down the opposing receivers can't be seen on stat sheets. This kid is for real and the Texans would instantly improve the defense in drafting him.
The Upside:
After Kareem Jackson's disappointing season, Peterson could really help improve the Texans horrendous pass defense. He is the most talented defensive player in the draft and his punt/kick return ability adds to his value as the Texans greatly struggled in that field this season.
The downside:
Peterson is predicted to go in the top 3. If the Texans want him, they will have to make a trade and move up the draft order. With Wade Phillips, possibly the new defensive coordinator, running a 3-4 scheme, the 4-3 minded Mario Williams could be possible trade bait
Robert Quinn (DE/OLB), North Carolina
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Robert Quinn is perhaps the best pass rushing prospect in this year's draft class. Although he missed the entire year due to suspension, Quinn is still predicted to be drafted top five.
He is incredibly versatile as he can play defensive end or outside linebacker. He is reminiscent of DeMarcus Ware and James Harrison. Quinn has the speed, strength and intensity to be elite.
In 2009, as a sophomore, Quinn recorded 52 total tackles, 11 sacks and two forced fumbles.
The upside:
Quinn is the perfect rookie pass rusher. He can get right to work as a starter and fits into the 3-4 or 4-3 defenses. Again entertaining the idea of Phillips as defensive coordinator, Quinn is perfect as that outside rushing linebacker that Phillips loves in his 3-4 scheme. He would compliment the defense greatly and free up space for Mario Williams.
The downside:
Quinn is another guy that's too talented to fall to the Texans 11th pick. They would have to make a trade and move up the order. Quinn will almost surely be a top five pick.
Prince Amukamara (CB), Nebraska
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Although Amukamara doesn't have the talent of Patrick Peterson, many argue he is better in coverage. Amukamara isn't as much of a ball hawk, but he can certainly defend the pass with the best of them.
Recording all five of his career interceptions last season, Amukamara relies on his shut-down coverage to woo NFL scouts.
The upside:
Amukamara has the same upside as Patrick Peterson at the cornerback position. He could instantly improve the defense, specifically the pass coverage. With Peterson predicted to go top three, Amukamara is a much more likely candidate for the Texans this year.
The downside:
There really isn't much of a downside with this kid. The only thing that would keep the Texans from drafting him would be the fear of having another slowly-developing cornerback like Kareem Jackson.
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Marcell Dareus (DT), Alabama
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This is my favorite (realistic) prospect for the Texans. Marcel Dareus is a force to be reckoned with and knows what it means to win.
Coming from Alabama, Dareus is NFL ready and has the ability to turn the Texans defensive line around. He is very versatile as he can play the defensive tackle or defensive end positions. He could play the nose and will fit into a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme.
The upside:
The kid is a dominating force on the line. His massive frame is complimented by unmatched strength, rare speed and the best of instincts. He is no Suh, but Dareus could be one of the next great defensive lineman in the NFL. The Texans would be fortunate to have him.
The downside:
None
Nick Fairley (DE), Auburn
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The upside:
Similar as Dareus and Quinn, Fairley would be an immediate improvement on the Texans defensive line. He is similar to Mario Williams and having those two opposite one another would be like a fairy tale.
The downside:
He will likely be drafted in the top five and certainly before the Texans' 11th pick. As the Texans already have Mario Williams, it is unlikely a trade for Fairley would be made.
Da'Quan Bowers (DE), Clemson
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The upside:
Another player similar to Mario Williams, Da'Quan Bowers is a more likely candidate to play opposite the All-Pro. He is predicted to be drafted around the Texans' 11th pick and he has the upside that would make him really difficult to pass on. Unless there are more viable players available, you cannot pass up on this guy's talent.
He recorded 15 sacks this season and showed promise with his vast improvement from previous years.
The downside:
In a Wade Phillips system, he really wouldn't fit in with Mario Williams on the line. But again, the Phillips scenario is just hearsay.
Stephen Paea (DT), Oregon State
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Stephen Paea is a freak. Along with Marcel Dareus, he greatly exceeds the talent of the other defensive tackles in the draft. He would be an awesome addition to the Texans and a viable replacement for Shaun Cody or Amobi Okoye.
The upside:
He is a rare talent at defensive tackle and that is exactly what the Texans need. They needed one last year and missed out. This year, they have to draft for defensive talent and he could be the most talented guy available when the Texans are on the clock.
The downside:
I can't find any.
Julio Jones (WR), Alabama
8 of 10
The upside:
Houston needs another prime-time wideout to play opposite Andre Johnson and Julio Jones could be the man for the job. He comes from a winning program and has recorded some amazing statistics over his career. If the Texans really want to draft a receiver in the first round, he seems to be the only viable option as A.J. Green will likely go in the top five.
The downside:
He isn't exactly the first guy that comes to mind when considering first round picks. He would be a great compliment to the Texans already potent offense, but they really must address defense first.
Cameron Jordan (DT/DE), California
9 of 10
The upside:
Jordan is another penetrating defensive lineman that could greatly improve Mario Williams' chances of avoiding the double-team.
He has moved up draft boards after having a great season in which he recorded 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
The downside:
Although he screams potential, Jordan probably isn't talented enough to go in the top 15. This is a guy to keep an eye on but it is unlikely the Texans would draft him with the 11th pick.
Other Considerations
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Von Miller (DE/OLB), Texas A&M
Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB), Purdue
Janoris Jenkins (CB), Florida
Adrian Clayborn (DE), Iowa
Akeem Ayers (DE/OLB), UCLA
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