Houston Texans: Four Day 2 players that should be on NFL Draft board

The Houston Texans have some big needs that they must address in the NFL Draft. Take a look at a few players that could fill these roles.

The Houston Texans, who did not have a first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, have some big holes they need to fill if they want to stay atop the AFC West and overcome their playoff woes. As we enter the second day of the draft, which consists of the second and third rounds, the Texans have the 40th and 90th picks.

I have made a list of four players that the Texans should highly consider taking if they remain available by the time Houston is on the clock.

1. Yetur Gross-Matos – Defensive End/Edge, Penn State

The Texans’ number one need is pass rushers. J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilius are only getting older and the Texans need another young pass rusher to go along with Charles Omenihu and Jacob Martin. The 6-foot-5, 266-pound Gross-Matos was a problem for opposing offensive lines to block as he recorded 19 sacks and 37 tackles for loss during his time at Penn State. Yetur Gross-Matos will need time to develop and allow his body to grow, but he would definitely be a good answer for the pass-rushing edge that the Texans desperately need.

2. A.J. Epenesa – Defensive End, Iowa

A.J. Epenesa, a six-foot-five, 275-pound defensive end from Iowa is another pass rusher the Texans could look to add. Epenesa is coming off two straight double-digit sack seasons at Iowa. Epenesa has good size and strength, but his athleticism is a concern for some. Epenesa has the potential to turn into a quality NFL pass rusher and would serve as a solid addition to Houston’s pass rush.

3. Xavier McKinney – Safety, Alabama

Xavier McKinney, arguably the top safety in the draft, is surprisingly still on the board after the

More from House of Houston

first round. McKinney has a high football !Q, great athleticism, and is extremely versatile as he can play free safety, in the slot, and in the box. McKinney’s skills and versatility would be a huge improvement to a Texans secondary that struggled to contain opponents in the passing game.

4. Grant Delpit – Safety, LSU

Although the Texans were able to bring back the majority of their secondary from 2019, they still need secondary help. Grant Delpit, the Jim Thorpe Award-winning safety from LSU, had one of the best defensive seasons in 2018, but had a rather underachieving 2019 season, partly due to an ankle injury he suffered. Delpit is very physical which makes him good against the run and reads plays well, but he has some issues with downfield coverage and tackling. Nevertheless, Delpit is a quality safety who has high potential if he can fix some of his techniques.

Next. Texans: NFL Draft 2020: A look at the team's assets. dark

Do you agree? Who do you think the Houston Texans should target on Day 2? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below.

Home/Houston Texans