Houston Texans: 2016 NFL mock draft

The Houston Texans have several team needs to address this offseason. Which pressing issues will they attack in the 2016 NFL Draft?

The Houston Texans have been perhaps the most confusing team in the entire NFL this season when it comes to mock draft predictions.

The Texans began 2015 with a horrendous seven-game stretch to start the year, capped off by a 44-26 drubbing at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. Entering Week 8, Houston was sitting at 2-5, and in prime position to draft the supposed franchise quarterback that the organization has yet to acquire in its 14-year existence.

Fast-forward seven weeks, and Houston is 6-7 and tied with the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC South division lead. A win over the Colts on Sunday could quite possibly be the final touch necessary in order to secure an improbable run to the postseason, as well as a drastic drop from an ideal NFL Draft slot.

Regardless of how the Texans perform over the course of the final three games of the regular season, they will not be selecting any higher than the mid-first round. Heading into Sunday, the 19th overall pick is their current draft slot. If Houston finds its way into the playoffs, they will be drafting in the 20s.

Quarterback is an obvious concern heading into the draft, but barring a late-season meltdown and outside help from other teams, first-round quality signal-callers will most likely be off the board by the time the Texans make their selection.

There are several other pressing needs that the Texans need to address, however, whether through free agency or the draft.

Acquiring a running back to carry the torch from the Arian Foster era, an inside linebacker to provide support for Brian Cushing and a worthy No. 2 receiving option capable of drawing attention away from DeAndre Hopkins are all major factors that will greatly influence the future of the franchise.

So which needs will the team address through the draft?

Find out in our seven-round Houston Texans 2016 NFL Mock Draft

Next: Round 1: Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland