Houston Texans: Top 10 Needs Heading Into The Draft

With the NFL Draft finally upon us, the Texans will have the opportunity to address the positions they weren’t able to in free agency. Below is a list of all “need” positions (aside from QB) in order of least to most important.

10. Nose Tackle

This isn’t really a need as of right now thanks to the Vince Wilfork addition. However, I get the feeling that O’Brien hates Louis Nix with a burning passion. But I’m a conspiracy theorist. If that’s the case, the Texans will (eventually) need someone to take over for once Wilfork leaves, and to come off the bench while he’s here.

9. Offensive Lineman

The Texans managed to re-sign Derek Newton this offseason, but released Chris Myers. They then bumped Ben Jones to Center (his college position) and promoted second-year Xavier Su’a-Filo to starting LG. With the poor play from both players last year, the Texans are taking somewhat of a risk, but they each have a nice upside. The only offensive linemen they bring in would be to add depth.

8. Tight End

C.J. Fiedorowicz and Garrett Graham aren’t exactly a combo to go crazy for but it’s way too early to give up on Fiedorowicz, and Graham can be a nice second TE.

7. Safety

The safety position is one big pile of “ehhh”. Thankfully, the Texans managed to get free-agent Rahim Moore. Stevie Brown is a question mark (could be good, could be bad) and trade rumors are swirling around D.J. Swearinger. I persoanlly think they’d be OK going into the season with these three guys. Those words could come back to haunt me though.

6. Cornerback

This position has me torn. I would LOVE for the Texans to snag Marcus Peters or Trae Waynes, who could start off as a slot and fill in nicely for Johnathan Joseph after he leaves next season. But I’m also a really big fan of A.J. Bouye and Darryl Morris. Do I think they COULD be starting cornerbacks? Of course. Do I think they can be solid #1 cornerbacks? Not so much. Kareem Jackson has the #1 spot filled, but the Texans will soon need a top cornerback in the secondary.

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5. Running Back

This could soon move to the very top of the list. I think the Texans should find Arian Foster’s soon-to-be replacement in this loaded RB class. However, as of right now, they are good going into the ’15 season with Foster, Alfred Blue, and recently added Chris Polk.

4. Defensive End

I have this position high, but I will be slightly bummed if the Texans took one with their first pick. I’m not the biggest fan of Jared Crick, and although Vince Wilfork is a fantastic addition at NT, he won’t be around for long. The Texans need someone (versatile) who can play opposite J.J. Watt on the line for years to come.

3. Inside Linebacker

This is Brian Cushing’s last year to show me something, otherwise, I give up. Ever since that PED suspension he just hasn’t been the same. Of course, the injuries haven’t helped. I am a fan of Akeem Dent and Mike Mohamed, but not as a main ILB. This is a position that needs a promising rookie added to it.

2. Wide Receiver

These next two are pretty much a tie for me. I’m a fan of the Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington additions, but the Texans need someone who can become great to take pressure (and possibly become better than) DeAndre Hopkins. Period.

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