Houston Texans Rumors: Yodny Cajuste should be team’s top draft target

The Houston Texans desperately need help along the offensive line for the 2019 season. Yodny Cajuste would go a long way to fixing the problem, let’s examine.

The Houston Texans have the makings of an extremely potent offense that could hang with anyone in the league. They have thoroughly invested in the offense over the years and it is finally beginning to show.

DeAndre Hopkins has developed into one of the best, if not the best receiver in the entire league. Deshaun Watson has the makings of a top three to five quarterback in the NFL. On top of that, there are plenty of other weapons on the offense as well.

Keke Coutee flashed immense potential and a tremendous connection with Watson when healthy. Will Fuller has still shown a phenomenal penchant for the deep ball and a nose for the endzone. Demaryius Thomas was a solid addition though he may be out of the picture in the future. Then there are the young tight ends in Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins who could continue to develop into weapons.

Unfortunately, this immense offensive potential has been hampered by an extremely heavy anchor. That anchor is their incredibly weak offensive line. Sure, there are pieces that could turn out to be solid in the future with better surrounding players but for now, this whole unit needs revamping and the Houston Texans can take steps to fix it in the draft.

Yodny Cajuste out of West Virginia University should be the first place the Houston Texans look to find a stud left tackle in the draft. Cajuste is an intriguing prospect and is getting knocked by some because he played in a wide-open offense in the Big 12. However, closer examination shows a prospect that is capable of dominance at the next level.

Cajuste is a very, very large tackle standing at 6’5″-6’6 ‘and weighing in between 315-325 pounds. That is a mountain of a man but the thing is, even with that great size, he is an extremely nimble athlete that will be able to hang with the best of athletes the NFL can throw off of the edge.

The Houston Texans need a player of Cajuste’s caliber in order to protect Watson and keep him upright far more often than the 60+ times wound up on his back this past season. Cajuste is an excellent pass blocker with quick feet and great extension and hands to keep pass rushers in front of him and his back pointed directly at the quarterback.

On top of that, Cajuste’s athleticism and football IQ, paired together, allow him to read defenses well and adjust to switches rushers may be attempting to execute. He also comes off of the line like a rhino looking to blow anyone in front of him away.

He also has a mean streak that the Houston Texans could use along their offensive line that played a lot of the past couple of seasons very soft. Cajuste is the type of guy that plays with an edge and sometimes it rears it’s head in an ugly fashion, including earning him an ejection against Texas University.

Cajuste is a willing and powerful run blocker. He has the play strength and tenacity to destroy defenders. His technique is pretty solid as well, giving him the ability to drive defenders off the ball while also having the skills to execute good lateral movements.

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Where Cajuste can struggle from time to time is with his balance and flexibility. At times, his hips can get high and when that happens, he can get knocked off balance, especially against strong defenders. These things can get coached up and he can get more flexible with coaching and being in an NFL workout environment.

Cajuste could shoot up draft boards between now and the end of April, especially if he tests well at the combine as teams are always looking for athletic tackles. However, the Houston Texans need Cajuste in order to take their offense to the next level. He is more than good enough to keep Watson upright in the pocket and athletic enough to protect him when he improvises.

The Houston Texans need to ensure they land Cajuste in the draft. He could definitely fall to them at 23rd overall as there are other prospects like Jonah Williams, Greg Little, Jawaan Taylor, Dalton Risner, and potentially others who teams could value above him. But, if Cajuste becomes a draft darling, the Texans may have to use some of their draft capital to go get their guy.

Would you want to see Cajuste in a Houston Texans uniform? Let us know below! If not, let us know who you want the team to target!