2015 NFL Draft: Texans Round 2/3 Wrap-Up/What To Look For Today
The Houston Texans have gone through Day 2 quite smoothly being able to deftly move up in the draft to get the guys that they needed.
The Texans had multiple picks to use but were able merge those all into two very good ones that will provide the additional help that the Texans need.
The started the night out trading up in the 2nd round to get inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, a player that they’d been high on for quite some time.
Although it’s strong position for the Texans at the moment, it’s certainly a position that does carry some uncertainty in the future.
Not knowing what Brian Cushing‘s health will be like moving forward, the Texans were able to add an incredible reinforcement to the mix at that position.
Bill O’Brien sees him as a “first- to second-down type guy” and would complement Cushing quite well on the roster. He’ll be on the inside and can help on special teams to which he does have some experience.
There are concerns about his instinctive awareness for coverages but I’m sure Romeo Crennel and the rest of the Texans staff will coach him up to ensure that he excels at an important skill that he must master in the pro leagues.
He’s the epitome of Mr. Reliability — he started all of his games as a standout at Mississippi State and led the team tackles in each his last two seasons there. He’s the 4th linebacker drafted out of MSU since 2009.
The Texans traded their later 2nd-round pick, their 4th-rounder and a 6th-rounder to snatch him at No. 43.
It’ll be great to have him on board and the Texans did a solid job to go get him.
The Texans other pick in the 3rd round, Jaelen Strong will create an immense amount of buzz amongst Texans’ fans.
He’s certainly built for the position with his 6’2″, 217-pound frame. He also has great 9″ hands, 32 1/2″ arm length and a 42-inch vertical to add to his repertoire.
With all of those tangibles he has, the Texans couldn’t let him slip to another team, their first choice was Tyler Lockett, another wide receiver prospect but the Seattle Seahawks traded up to get him just before the Texans could.
The only criticism is that although he has the body to handle the rigors of the position, he just hasn’t quite proved quite yet that he can put it all together to do so professionally. His route-running and separation abilities continue to be a concern.
But he is a playmaker and the Texans’ staff will do everything they can to coach him up to bring him along correctly.
Strong was acquired by trading cast-off DeVier Posey, their third-rounder, a fifth-rounder and a 7th rounder acquired from the Browns for the McKinney deal to the New York Jets to snatch him at No 70.
That’s not a bad price for a guy that will a fan favorite!
But let’s talk about needs for the final day of the draft.
As of right now, the Texans have four picks — a 5th-rounder (175th), two 6th-rounders (211th and 216th) and a 7th-rounder (235th).
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The Texans can still use some help at the outside linebacker position and on the offensive line.
Max Valles and Kyle Emanuel are still available but it remains to be seen if they can get them in the 5th.
Both players were spoken quite highly of by Travis Oquin, our draft guy.
Could we see a trade to move up higher? We’ll have to see!
Valles is one of the few Division I players that is quite familiar with the 3-4 defense, which is what Crennel runs.
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Yes, Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley are still available but the Texans seem to be comfortable with the quarterbacks — Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer and Tom Savage — they have invested in and I highly doubt that they will take one in these later rounds.
DB James Sample, C Reese Dismukes and G Daryl Williams are available but my best guess is that we get none of those guys but find a diamond in the rough that best fits the Texans game plan.
Can’t wait, let’s go Texans!