2011 Houston Texans NFL Draft Needs
TweetThe Houston Texans are on the clock with the 11th overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and how those needs might be addressed in the draft.
1. Outside Linebacker/Defensive End: Given the philosophy of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who believes you can make up for an average secondary with a solid front seven, don’t be surprised if the Texans elect to spend their top pick on a pass rusher. Mario Williams has recorded 8.5 sacks or more each of the last four seasons but could potentially be even more productive if opponents had to worry more about the guy on the other side. The Texans could have several solid options here, starting with North Carolina’s Robert Quinn. He even has the athleticism to play the right outside linebacker position in Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. He would be the best player still on the board if the Texans can get him here. If Quinn is gone, the Texans would do well to land Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson. Cal’s Cameron Jordan and Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt will also draw strong consideration if the Texans decide to address their front seven in the first round. If Houston elects to go a different route on day one, Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston might still be available in the second round.
2. Cornerback: The Texans do need to come away with a couple solid defensive backfield prospects in this draft. Picking 11th overall, they could potentially be in position to take Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara. LSU’s Patrick Peterson is expected to be off the board but Amukamara would be an elite consolation prize. He has the size (6-foot, 206 pounds) and the top-end speed to emerge as a Pro Bowl corner. He is a legit top 10 talent so he would be showing good value at No. 11 as well. Because of Phillips’ philosophy, it is probably more likely that Houston will look to address this need in the second round. Texas cornerback Curtis Brown would be a nice pick at that stage of the game.
3. Safety: The Texans ranked 30th in the NFL in total defense last season, allowing 376.9 yards per game and no team was worse against the pass. Houston finished dead last in pass defense with 267.5 yards per game allowed. The Texans need upgrades at both safety spots following disappointing seasons from last year’s starters Bernard Powell and Eugene Wilson. Don’t be surprised if they go after a guy like Temple’s Jaiquawn Jarrett in the third round or Cal’s Chris Conte later.
4. Nose Tackle: The nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme is ideally massive so he can eat up multiple blockers. Houston’s starting defensive tackles only weighed in at 310 and 315 pounds last year, which is a little light in the loafers. The Texans would like to add one of these massive beasts. At 6-foot-3 and 351 pounds, Baylor’s Phil Taylor may be the beast the Texans are looking for. Projected to go late in the first round, the Texans would have to trade back to get him where he is showing more value. The Texans may have a chance to get a player like Oregon State’s Stephen Paea in round two.
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