Houston Texans 7 Round Mock Draft 2.0 – (Trades Included)
By Travis Oquin
![Jan 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans owners Cal McNair and Bob McNair enter for the 2016 NFL Owners meeting at the Westin Houston in Houston, TX. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports Jan 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans owners Cal McNair and Bob McNair enter for the 2016 NFL Owners meeting at the Westin Houston in Houston, TX. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7c7ac49bdb9d3f3678e092acecca8b05e94047bd67842ccea457bfab6fbdef40.jpg)
5th Round – Pick #159
Devon Cajuste – WR/TE – Stanford
6’4” – 220
The Texans have looked at a number of hybrid tight end/wide receiver players this offseason. That seems to indicate that they crave a lighter weight “move” tight end or large wide receiver that can create match-up problems for linebackers and strong safeties much the way Aaron Hernandez used to do for the Patriots.
Devon Cajuste is likely near the top of their list at this position. Cajuste lost weight for the combine but played 10 pounds heavier at Stanford this past season.
At his size, he is a tremendous athlete. Cajuste had the fastest 3-cone time of any receiver at the combine with a 6.49. The 3-cone is designed to measure short area quick change of direction, quickness and agility. It’s this drill that is normally dominated by small waterbug receivers and corners.
At 6’4” Cajuste has the height and athleticism to be a mismatch for any non-cornerback and a significant threat in the red zone that the Texans have often lacked.
Others on the board to consider:
TE/WR Thomas Duarte (UCLA), RB Kenyan Drake (Alabama), S Kevin Byard (Middle Tennessee St.)
5th Round – Pick #166
Willie Beavers – OT – Western Michigan
6’4” – 324
The Texans will be looking for a developmental tackle in the 2016 draft. There have been depth issues the last couple years on the offensive line, but also when you take a step back and look at it, how many pro bowl caliber offensive linemen do they have? Only one, Duane Brown and he is coming off a fairly serious injury, a torn quad muscle that required surgery.
Derek Newton had a nice year in 2014 but took a step back in 2015 and it has some wondering if he’d be better off at guard. The Texans have also retained swing tackle Chris Clark in part to insure that they have some depth in case Duane Brown is not back day one.
They could even choose a tackle higher up in the draft but at the very least I believe the Texans be looking for a tackle with good upside to groom. Willie Beavers is that kind of tackle, coming from a smaller school. While he will need some development time, he can end up a better player than many tackles taken before him.
Beavers has good foot quickness and agility and can get to the second level blocks. He also has good power and adjusts well in pass protection. He needs further development and time to develop as he hasn’t had much opportunity facing division 1 level talent in college.
Others on the board to consider:
OT Cole Toner (Harvard) TE Stephen Anderson (California), TE Beau Sandland (Montana St.), DT/DE Adam Gotsis (Georgia Tech)
Next: Predicting A Late Trade!