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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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Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille Williams (1) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille Williams (1) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6: Auburn wide receiver D’haquille “Duke” Williams

With the selection of Michigan State senior standout wide receiver Aaron Burbridge in the fourth round, the Houston Texans would be making a calculated, safe decision that would likely reap at least some immediate benefits.

Picking up D’haquille “Duke” Williams is not that whatsoever. Consider Williams the Dorial Green-Beckham of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The talent on the field is undeniable. Unfortunately, his character concerns are even more prevalent, and much more documented than his play of the football field.

Williams arrived on Auburn’s campus in 2013 as the top-ranked JUCO receiver in the country; big things were expected from the uber-talented wide-out with an NFL-ready physical frame. And big things did occur on the field, as the 6-foot-2, 216 pound receiver recorded four 100-yard receiving performances during his first season with the team.

But an Outback Bowl suspension to conclude his 2014 campaign was a sign of bad things to come for the rising star. A string of negative incidents on the part of Williams came to a breaking point back in October, when he allegedly punched four individuals during an altercation at an Auburn, Ala. bar.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn dismissed Williams the following day.

There is a serious possibility that Williams’ character concerns will be too much for teams to overlook on draft day. His past transgressions reflect serious personal issues that go beyond simple immaturity.

That said, the Texans — an organization well known for its emphasis on player character and personal image — just might take a late-round flyer on a player that could become an integral part of one of the NFL’s youngest and most dangerous receiving corps.

Hopkins is already one of the most talented players in the league. All that Houston needs is one more young receiver to pan out.

If this occurs, the Texans wide receivers would easily produce the statistics to make Brian Hoyer — or whoever lines up under center — a potential Pro Bowler.

And that is why they take a risk on Williams with their sixth-round selection, despite his abundance of negative baggage.

Next: Round 7: USC defensive tackle Antwaun Woods

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