A look at the Texans’ needs without picks in the first two rounds and a final mock draft.
It starts with offensive tackle and tight end, and shifts to a defensive unit bereft of depth
For a team that has a lot of talent, the Texans also have a lot of needs.
General manager Brian Gaine is in charge of his first draft, and he’ll try to fill those needs without picks in the first and second rounds.
The Texans need to fortify just about every area of the team, and it’s not a one-year process for Gaine to oversee. His objective is to augment free agency with a productive draft that helps the Texans return to the playoffs for the third time in Bill O’Brien’s five seasons.
“This is a large, encompassing process, and I’d like to thank the scouting staff, the coaches, the medical staff, the security staff (and) our football operations staff,” Gaine said. “They’ve done an excellent job, and all (have) come together as a team.
“Me getting here in January and kind of putting the plan I wanted in place, I just want to thank them for buying in and doing their part to help this be a great draft for us.”
It’s going to be hard for the Texans to have a great draft without those first two selections. They have eight overall, including three in the third and sixth rounds.
Gaine and O’Brien won’t be napping Thursday night while they join Kansas City and the Los Angeles Rams as the only teams without No. 1 picks. As the first-round picks are made, Gaine will be adjusting the Texans’ draft board.
Gaine won’t be trading into the first round. He doesn’t rule out trading into the bottom part of the second round or even trading down for an extra pick or two.
Don’t forget RB and WR
Unlike so many other teams, the Texans aren’t in the quarterback market. Last year’s trade with Cleveland — swapping first-round picks and throwing in another one this year — brought Deshaun Watson to Houston.
Sending the second-round pick and quarterback Brock Osweiler to the Browns netted $10 million in salary cap room. You could say they used a portion of that cap space to sign safety Tyrann Mathieu ($7 million cap figure).
We all know what the Texans need most. Gaine has to devote at least one third-round pick to the offensive line, particularly tackle, where they lack starting experience and need an infusion of talent.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Gaine used one of his three picks in the sixth round on another tackle. The coaches are trying to rebuild the line and could have four new starters to go with center Nick Martin.
The second-biggest need is finding a tight end to replace the retired C.J. Fiedorowicz. The coaches would like to get a tight end who can block but also has enough talent to develop into a formidable receiver.
Continuing with the offense, the Texans need a third running back behind Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman. They need to enhance their speed at that position. It won’t be a surprise if they take a back in the third or fourth round.
Receiver isn’t a priority, but they need players at that position who can stay healthy. DeAndre Hopkins’ durability is remarkable, but he’s the only receiver who can stay on the field. Will Fuller, Bruce Ellington and Braxton Miller were injured much of last season.
Of secondary concern
Gaine can’t ignore the secondary even though he signed Mathieu and cornerback Aaron Colvin in free agency. Mathieu will start opposite Andre Hal, but they still need to devote a third- or fourth-round pick to a safety. It’s time the Texans put some emphasis on a safety in the draft.
Cornerback should be a priority position, too. Defenses can never have enough quality corners, especially in a division with quarterbacks who like to throw the ball all over the field.
With Romeo Crennel returning as the defensive coordinator, the Texans will continue to use a 3-4. Defenses utilizing a 3-4 scheme never have enough good linebackers because it’s such a physically demanding position.
And, finally, if Gaine can find a way to pull it off, the Texans can use another defensive end. Injuries decimated the line last year, and depth is essential.
Signing undrafted free agents, such as last year’s inside linebacker Dylan Cole, are important, too.
When it comes to reducing the roster, the Texans need to face difficult decisions. They don’t want them to be easy.
Gaine got off to a good start in free agency. Now he has reached the next phase, and he’s facing an enormous challenge trying to find players to make instant contributions without his first two draft choices.