No one is questioning the trade that sent the Houston Texans’ 2018 first round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Deshaun Watson. Watson proved in just a handful of games that he’s the franchise quarterback the Texans have been desperate for since their franchise entered the NFL.
Still, the Texans have plenty of holes to fill. While they don’t have a first or second round pick to use in that regard, they have stacked up plenty of picks in this draft. Here’s what I think they should do with them.
Round 3, Pick 68: Kameron Kelly, CB, San Diego State
2017: 67 tackles, five for a loss, two sacks, three interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles (6-2, 200 pounds)
The Texans have done such a great job in drafting and signing corners that they can lose some every year and still keep NFL starters on the field. Kelly should easily become part of that legacy. He’s a high production player with uncommon size at his position.
Round 3, Pick 80: R.J. McIntosh, DT, Miami
2017: 52 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, seven passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery (6-4, 293 pounds)
For the last two seasons J.J. Watt has struggled to stay healthy. Hopefully, that all changes this year, but Houston should add some help on the defensive line just in case. McIntosh should be a solid, quick defensive end in the Texans’ 3-4 scheme.
Round 3, Pick 98: Armani Watts, Safety, Texas A&M
2017: 87 tackles, 10 for a loss, 0.5 sacks, four interceptions, five passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (5-11, 205 pounds)
With the signing of Tyrann Mathieu, safety is no longer a major need for the Texans. That doesn’t mean they should stand pat with what they have. It’s time to add depth and push Andre Hall as a starter.
Round 4, Pick 103: Genard Avery, OLB, Memphis
2017: 80 tackles, 22 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery (6-1, 255 pounds)
Injuries and suspensions hit Houston’s linebacker corps hard last season. Whitney Mecilus is back, but Brian Cushing got cut after his latest brush with PEDs. Avery can add a pass rushing presence on the outside or play inside as a straight up linebacker.
Round 6, Pick 177: Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
2017: 46 catches, 547 yards, four touchdowns (6-6, 248 pounds)
There’s a gaping hole at tight end in the Texans’ offense. Fumagalli fills it with a potential Pro Bowl level player for the next four years.
Round 6, Pick 211: Sam Jones, OG, Arizona State
6-5, 305 pounds
There’s been a surprising amount of turnover on the Texans’ offensive line in recent years. They need to start adding bodies in the draft.
Round 6, Pick 214: Kenny Young, ILB, UCLA
2017: 110 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, one sack, three passes defended, one fumble recovery (6-1, 240 pounds)
Young is one of my favorite linebackers in this draft and could be a steal, and a starter, taken here in the sixth round.
Round 7, Pick 222: Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
6-7, 297 pounds
Houston doesn’t have time for projects at any offensive line position and probably needs to work the free agent phones after the draft pretty hard. Regardless, adding O’Neill here gives them the chance at stealing a future starter in the seventh round.
