The Houston Texans joined the NFL as an expansion team in 2002, and toiled for the first ten years in mediocrity. They made the playoffs in each of the last two years, and they are in good shape for the future. In addition to the Texans, the AFC South is currently comprised of one team in full rebuild mode, one team trying to compete and rebuild at the same time, and one team with a definite quarterback of the future and some solid talent. Houston should maintain their grip on the division in 2013.
1 (27): Margus Hunt, Defensive End, SMU
Earlier this week, Lance Zierlein tweeted this: “Mario Williams, JJ Watt & Margus Hunt are only prospects 6'5+, 277+, bench of 34+, arm length of 33"+ w/ sub 4.82 40 yard dash since 2005.” The Texans drafted Williams and Watt, and it’s very likely they take Hunt. His ceiling is the late first round and Houston could use another talented body on the defensive line. The big Estonian is as raw as they come, and at 26 years old, he needs to reach his potential quickly, but his upside merits a high pick.
2 (57): Terron Armstead, Offensive Tackle, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
The Texans’ right tackle position is in flux, and they need someone to step up and take it over. Armstead is a terrific fit for their zone-blocking scheme. He has obvious level of competition concerns, but he blew up the Senior Bowl and the Combine, showing an ability to rise to the occasion. It’s possible that he doesn’t even fall this far, as he has left tackle upside. But if he does, the Texans should be all over him.
3 (89): Terrance Williams, Wide Receiver, Baylor
Williams fills one of their biggest needs: a big, field-stretching wide receiver opposite Andre Johnson. Keshawn Martin will be a good slot receiver, and DeVier Posey has some upside, but with Williams in the fold, the Texans’ offense has the opportunity to rise to the next level.
3 (95): Kiko Alonso, Inside Linebacker, Oregon
The interior of the Texans’ defense needs a thumper with some personality and Alonso fits that bill. He can blitz and cover, and he plays with reckless abandon. As long as he can keep himself reigned in, he should be able to start from day one.
4 (124): Montori Hughes, Defensive Tackle, Tennessee-Martin
Nose tackle Shaun Cody is a free agent and the Texans haven’t made any attempt to re-sign him, implying that they’re looking to the draft. Cody and his backup Earl Mitchell have both underwhelmed, especially against the run, and Hughes should be an upgrade across the board.
5 (160): Aaron Mellette, Wide Receiver, Elon
While they would need to take Williams earlier in the draft, Mellette could end up the better pro. He has excellent size and hands and he can win at all levels of the field. Adding him and Williams instantly gives them one of the better wide receiver corps in the NFL.
6 (195): Omoregie Uzzi, Guard, Georgia Tech
Houston need depth across the offensive line, especially on the right side. Drafting Armstead can secure the right tackle spot, but with the right guard position up in the air, they can snag a potential starter late in the draft. Uzzi is a hand-in-glove fit for their unique zone scheme.
6 (201): Johnny Adams, Cornerback, Michigan State
Starting cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson are two of the best in the game, but the depth behind them is lacking. Adams is an aggressive, physical cornerback with good ball skills.
7 (233): Cierre Wood, Running Back, Notre Dame
Ben Tate is only under contract for one more year. He’s good enough that he may seek a starting job elsewhere, and he’ll likely find one. So Houston should plan for life after him. Wood didn’t receive the same hype as Theo Riddick because he isn’t the same dynamic athlete, but he’s a talented back who could be a starter in a zone-based scheme like Houston’s.