Latest Houston Texans Draft Rumors
By Cody Poage
The 2015 NFL Draft is just a couple of weeks away and the Houston Texans have been attached to numerous draft rumors in recent days.
But who are the Texans front office showing an interest in as the April 30th approaches?
According to Adam Scheffer of ESPN, one prospect the Texans have been linked to recently is outside linebacker Randy Gregory from the University of Nebraska.
From April 1-22, w/ exception of Easter, Randy Gregory will travel to new city every day. This week: NYJ to PITT to STL to AZ to CHI to HOU.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2015
Gregory played in a 4-3 defensive system at Nebraska, and was an impressive player while healthy for the Cornhuskers.
2014 Statistics: 11 games, 23 solo tackles, 31 assists, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defended
The former Cornhusker would bring another option on the defensive line and potentially be viewed as the eventual starter opposite of J.J. Watt on the line. He is known for being an explosive player off the line with active hands, and would be a handful for opposing offensive linemen and ballcarriers.
Since the Texans run the 3-4 defensive system, there may not be a fit between the two parties. The Texans defensive line does seem set for the 2015 season with Watt, Vince Wilfork, and Jared Crick. But there could be an interest if the Texans want to have a pass rushing backup in case of injuries or ineffectiveness take place next season. He could also be moved to outside linebacker and has even spent time as an inside linebacker with Nebraska.
If general manager Rick Smith and head coach Bill O’Brien are truly interested in the junior defensive end, then the front office will have to use their 16th overall pick. And there is not even a guarantee that the Gregory will be available then.
He is projected to be selected in the early first round and has been linked to numerous teams ahead of the Texans in the draft order. This, however, is still a player to monitor come draft day, especially if he falls to Texans at 16th overall.
But that is not the only rumor surrounding the Texans organization as the draft nears.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Washington cornerback Marcus Peters made a pre-draft visit to Houston this past weekend.
Washington CB Marcus Peters, who is in New Orleans on a visit today, heads to the #49ers next. Was with #Texans this weekend. Busy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2015
The Texans do need help at cornerback, even with the re-signing of Kareem Jackson earlier in the offseason. Veteran Johnathan Joseph is also entering the last season of his contract.
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House of Houston’s own Travis Oquin recently detailed here about Marcus Peters as a potential draft target of the Texans in his latest post. Go check his post out for an analysis of Peters and why the Texans should take a hard look at him as the draft nears.
Whether the Texans should take a CB or an LB/DE will be one of the very interesting questions the Texans will have to answer come late April. Many expect the Texans to look at the defensive side of the ball with their first round pick but it’s possible they could target offensive playmakers as well. Only time will tell.
Stay tuned here with the House of Houston for the latest Houston Texans news and analysis!
Next: Texans 2015 Draft Strategy: Keep It Simple