With two giant holes on their offense heading into the offseason the Houston Texans did what most teams never have the guts to do; they fixed them early through free agency and didn’t let money be an object. The Texans have needed a quarterback for years and needed a running back to replace an increasingly hobbled Arian Foster. They added both in the first few days of the new league year signing Brock Osweiler out from under the Denver Broncos and Lamar Miller away from the Miami Dolphins.
With the big holes already filled, the Texans can relax and actually add some more firepower to their offense and defense. This could be the offseason that flips the script for good in Houston. Here’s their Perfect Mock Draft.
To see every team’s Perfect Draft click here.
Round 1, Pick 22 – Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
2015: 74 catches, 1,363 yards, 20 touchdowns, 22 rushes, 111 yards rushing, 5-foot-11, 194 pounds
The Texans already have an All-World wideout in DeAndre Hopkins, but they could easily make their offense more dynamic by adding Coleman and his 4.40 speed to the mix on the outside. His production in the pass-heavy Baylor offense was incredible and he led the nation in receiving touchdowns with 20, a number that seems almost unbelievable. The Texans have put the money in Osweiler. There’s no reason to skimp on the weapons he’ll need to succeed.
Round 2, Pick 52 – Artie Burns, CB, Miami
2015: 36 tackles, 0.5 for a loss, six interceptions, five passes defended, one fumble recovery, 6-foot-0, 193 pounds
The starting corners for the Texans produced a total of three interceptions last season between them. With seven-year Kareem Jackson on one side and 11th-year Johnathan Joseph on the other, it’s time for a youth movement in the secondary. The Texans have already added a defensive back in free agent Antonio Allen. It’s time to upgrade in the draft too with Burns, who could end up starting by the end of the season.
Round 3, Pick 85 – John Theus, OT, Georgia
2015: Played in every game over four seasons at Georgia, Senior Bowl invite, 6-foot-6, 313 pounds
The Texans need some depth and spot starters on the offensive line and the versatile Theus should fit into that role early. He’s played both right and left tackle at Georgia and was on the field for every meaningful offensive snap over the last four seasons.
Round 4, Pick 119 -Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
2015: 38 catches, 563 yards, eight touchdowns, 6-foot-6, 249 pounds
Higbee is a massive target, especially in the red zone and Western Kentucky used him there all the time. He’s good at getting open in close quarters and catching the ball in traffic. He was a first-team All-Conference USA pick and was tied for the lead in the country in touchdowns.
Round 5, Pick 159 – Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
2015: 21 tackles, 10 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defended, 6-foot-3, 303 pounds
Henry had one job at Michigan and he did it very well; to crash through the face of the offensive line and make plays in the backfield. Henry might need some work at the NFL level on the nuances of the defensive tackle position, but he’ll fly into the backfield with the best of them thanks to his balance and first-step power.
Round 5, Pick 166 – Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss
2015: 37 catches, 644 yards, four touchdowns, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Core was one of Ole Miss’ primary offensive weapons and delivered as a big-play receiver, averaging 17.4 yards per catch last season. He has NFL speed even on an off day, putting down a 4.47 40 at the NFL combine, then laying down a 4.37 at his pro day. His vertical jump isn’t bad either at 31.5 inches, meaning his catch arc above his head should be around 12 feet tall.
Round 6, Pick 195 – Tre Madden, RB, USC
2015: 85 carries, 452 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, five touchdowns, 17 catches, 133 receiving yards, one touchdown, 6-foot-0, 223
When Miller comes off the field Madden should be able to step right in and replace him. He’s had trouble with injuries in his time at USC but that’s because he’s a punishing runner that’s not afraid of contact. His 4.56 speed is outstanding for his side and if he gets a lane, he can be gone.
Round 6, Pick 196 – Anthony Zettel, DE, Penn State
2015: 46 tackles, 11 for a loss, four sacks, six passes defended, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, 6-foot-4, 277 pounds
Zettel is a quick outside rusher that can line up in multiple positions along the defensive line. A season ago he was the No. 2 defensive player in the country in tackles for a loss with 17, behind only Ohio State’s Joey Bosa.
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