The Houston Texans hold the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft despite boasting a very strong roster. Holding eleven picks in a deep draft means the Texas based team can only get better as they fill a number of holes over the coming weekend.
Major Needs
Quarterback: Houston’s biggest need comes at quarterback after Matt Schaub’s trade to the Oakland Raiders. The 2014 NFL Draft has a lot of intriguing prospects at the position so the Texans should have a favorite they can target.
Pass Rusher: J.J. Watt draws all the attention from offensive lines. A second skilled player at the position would not only shore up the position but help a currently weak back end.
Cornerback: Depth at the position is weak and with Jonathan Joseph coming off an injury it is imperative to add some security. Top-end cornerback talent is strong but after the first tier it is better to wait until the later rounds for value.
Tight End: Owen Daniels was released leaving Garrett Graham the only recognisable face at the position. Somebody to help the new quarterback move the chains must be brought in.
Inside Linebacker: Brian Cushing has suffered consecutive season-ending leg injuries which leaves the position exposed should he once again go down.
Day One Targets (First Round)
Jadeveon Clowney: Hands down the best prospect in the 2014 class, Clowney is a freak of nature who could be better than the last pass rusher to be selected first overall, coincidently by the Texans, Mario Williams.
Blake Bortles: A high risk high reward player, Bortles could become one of the elite but requires a lot of work and patience from the Texans coaching staff.
Teddy Bridgewater: If you listen to the media then you would think Bridgewater to be a poor player. However, that is not the case and the Louisville star is the best signal caller in the class.
Day Two Targets (Second and Third Round)
Carlos Hyde: Hyde is a bruising back with good speed who would fit nicely alongside Arian Foster. Running back is not a huge need but teams must extract the maximum amount of value out of their selections.
Jaylen Watkins: The Florida corner was often behind his two teammates Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy in college but he could become the best of the trio a few years down the line. Furthermore, due to injuries at Florida, Watkins has experience at safety which the Texans could use.
Christian Jones: The national champion is a sideline-to-sideline tackler who can also drop into coverage and rush passer. Learning behind/alongside Cushing is the perfect scenario for Jones.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets (Fourth Round and Later)
Paul Richardson: A terrific athlete who runs savvy routes, Richardson could be another beneficiary of the talent already on the Texans’ roster. Andre Johnson is one of the best in the business and would help the Colorado man reach his potential.
Shayne Skov: One of the most intelligent college players you will come across, Skov uses his brain to win on the football field. He has no problem taking on blocks and attacking ball carriers. If he can overcome minor athletic limitations he will have a successful NFL career.
A.C. Leonard: Leonard is a good all-round athlete who has the tools to be a good pass-catching weapon. He has superb speed for the tight end position and is not afraid to lower his shoulder and take on defenders.
Final Seven-Round Mock
Round 1 pick 1 – DE, Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
Round 2 pick 1 – QB, Zach Mettenberger, LSU
Round 3 pick 1 – ILB, Chris Borland, Wisconsin
Round 4 pick 1 – CB, Keith McGill, Utah
Round 4 pick 35 – OT, Cameron Fleming, Stanford
Round 5 pick 1 – WR, Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin
Round 6 pick 1 – FS, Marqueston Huff, Wyoming
Round 6 pick 5 – HB, Marion Grice, Arizona State
Round 6 pick 35 – TE, Marcel Jensen, Fresno State
Round 7 pick 1 – DT, Ryan Carrethers, Arkansas State
Round 7 pick 41 – K, Chris Boswell, Rice
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