NFL Draft: Grading The Houston Texans Class Of 2017

Fans are quick to forget that the Texans and Cowboys bowed out during the same round, with Houston earning one post-season victory more than Dallas. Propelled by a stifling defense and bogged down by inconsistent offensive play, H-Town was quick to ship Brock Osweiler to Cleveland for a smile and a handshake, anticipating the acquisition of free agent Tony Romo for the 2017 season.

That didn’t happen; the veteran opted to watch games from the safety of a broadcaster’s box. Without a shot-caller or an identity on one side of the ball, Houston focused their attentions on building a competitive unit come draft time.

Contrary to most mock drafts, quarterback talent started coming off the board quickly and early in the first round. Chicago traded up to acquire Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick and Texas Tech standout Patrick Mahomes was nabbed by the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 10. Facing a sense of urgency with the position class thinning rapidly, the Texans swapped their No. 25 selection and a future 2018 choice for the Cleveland Browns No. 12 pick, choosing Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

With only Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden on the depth chart, Watson has a good chance at seeing action in the opener of the regular season. The CFP champion will work on his footwork and adapt to an NFL scheme from being tutored in the spread offense, but has plenty to work with throwing to powerhouse DeAndre Hopkins and feeding Lamar Miller.

The second round, No. 57 pick selected Zach Cunningham from Vanderbilt. The linebacker will fit into Houston’s 3-4 scheme after tallying 16.5 tackles for loss, recovering four fumbles and posting a season high 19 tackles against Georgia last October. The inside position is identical to what he played in college, and his side-to-side speed will provide even more depth to an already scary defensive unit. Cunningham is the highest drafted Vanderbilt defensive player since 2001.

Round three, No. 89 gave the UT faithful something to cheer about with Longhorns great D’Onta Foreman staying in the Lone Star State. Lead rusher Miller ranked No. 6 in most carry attempts (268) and coach Bill O’Brien has stressed that he wants to decrease his workload next year. Foreman holds the UT record for most consecutive 100-yard games (13) and is a valuable second-string back to dependably churn out yardage.

The latter rounds saw Houston target both o-line and defensive talent: Starters Duane Brown and Derek Newton were injured early, failing to assist Osweiler’s first year of development in a fresh system. Newton tore both patellar tendons and will turn 32 this year. Chris Clark served as the replacement at right tackle, but failed to solidify himself in the position. The Texans selected OT Julie’n Davenport from Bucknell (No. 130) in hopes of filling the right tackle position; center Kyle Fuller was also picked up from Baylor (No. 243), an asset that gave the Bears one of their best running games in years.

Next year’s defensive unit looks to build off the moment of their No. 1 ranking in total defense. The FO looks possibly improve on the secondary. Corey Moore was a decent fit, but depth at the position could be crucial. The Texans spent their fifth round pick on Treston Decoud of Oregon State (No. 169) for his physicality that could prove threatening to opposing receivers. Defensive tackle Carlos Watkins of Clemson (No. 130) will attempt to take the reigns from Vince Wilfork; his acquisition makes the Texans the team with the most former Tigers players in the NFL.

Grade: A

 

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