2016 NFL offseason: Houston Texans needs

Draft Overview, Picks and Team Needs

The Texans made a lot of noise in the 2015 draft when they moved up in Round 2 to get Mississippi State inside linebacker Benardirck McKinney. Again they couldn’t wait to get their guy in Round 3 as they again moved up for receiver Jaelen Strong.

Entering the 2016 NFL Draft, the Texans biggest need is at quarterback, but with Jared Goff from Cal, Paxton Lynch from Memphis and Carson Wentz from North Dakota State all expected to go early, they may be unobtainable with the 22nd pick that Houston owns.

If the team absolutely falls in love with one of these guys, they have shown in the past they’re willing to strike a deal. If not, they could be best suited to address other needs on the roster with their selections.

Areas of need include interior offensive line, as the unit was devastated by injuries and a lack of depth all season. They can use a running back for sure, especially if they do release Arian Foster.

On the defensive side, there is a hole at nose tackle as current starter Vince Wilfork was simply not effective last season in that role.

In the backend of the defense, Houston looks to have struck gold with converted cornerback Andre Hal, who developed into a reliable safety for them. He had four interceptions, one returned for a score, and is still learning his job there. The team will need to find him a running mate however, and the draft could be the best place to get that fellow starter.

The Texans own the following picks in the upcoming draft;

Round 1 Pick 22

Round 2 Pick 21

Round 3 Pick 22

Round 4 Pick 21

Round 5 Pick 20

Round 5 Pick 27

Round 6 pick 20

Their seventh round selection was traded to the Broncos for tackle Chris Clark. There still could be more selections as the NFL has not yet announced the compensatory picks for each team.