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Houston Texans: 2016 NFL mock draft

By Josh Criswell

Aug 20, 2014; Englewood, CO, USA; General view of Houston Texans helmet during scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at the Broncos Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2014; Englewood, CO, USA; General view of Houston Texans helmet during scrimmage against the Denver Broncos at the Broncos Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) picks up a Colorado State fumble and runs down the field during the third quarter at Romney Stadium. Utah State won 33-18. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Logan, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies linebacker Kyler Fackrell (9) picks up a Colorado State fumble and runs down the field during the third quarter at Romney Stadium. Utah State won 33-18. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5: Utah State outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell

Kyler Fackrell has been an impact player from day onene at Utah State, starting all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2012, earning first-team All-WAC and Freshman All-American honors for recording 87 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three interceptions.

Despite not playing at a major FBS program, Fackrell emerged onto the scene as a sophomore, largely due to a 99-yard interception returned for a touchdown in a win over Hawaii that put his athleticism and playmaking ability on display for the entire nation to see.

Entering his junior campaign, the stage was set for Fackrell to elevate his status as a premier NFL Draft prospect. Unfortunately, this breakout junior campaign never occurred. In the second quarter of Utah State’s season-opening loss to Tennessee, Fackrell suffered a torn ACL, forcing him to miss the entire 2014 season.

While the untimely knee injury derailed any chance of an early entry into the NFL Draft, he was able to salvage his draft stock with a strong showing during his senior season.

Fackrell has compiled 76 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and five sacks on the year. Most impressively, he leads the nation with five fumble recoveries.

So where exactly does Fackrell fit into the Texans’ plans, especially with Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney entrenched at the outside linebacker spots in Houston’s 3-4 defensive scheme for the foreseeable future?

Clowney’s well-documented injury struggles provide a necessity for depth at the position, and Fackrell is well-versed in playing the role of a 3-4 outside linebacker, making him a perfect fit to join the Texans’ linebacker rotation.

And why not take a chance on a 6-foot-5, 250-pound linebacker with strong instincts, proven athleticism and a knack for big plays?

Next: Round 6: Auburn wide receiver Duke Williams

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