Houston Texans mock draft: Complete 7-round edition

After an offense-heavy first three rounds of the draft, expect the Houston Texans to finally target defensive needs in the fourth round. With defensive end Jared Crick leaving the Texans for the defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, the No. 1 priority on this side of the ball has become clear.

Given the need for a young defensive end to pair alongside J.J. Watt, it would not be surprising to see the team target this position in the first three rounds. And if top-10 talent and undeniable head-case Robert Nkemdiche from Ole Miss falls to Houston at the 22nd overall pick, it would be difficult to pass up the opportunity to draft a player that was once considered a potential top-five pick late in the first round.

But given the organization’s dedication to building a team around high-character guys, which considering the atmosphere of the modern-day NFL is no surprise, drafting Nkemdiche becomes highly doubtful. And with a draft crop that is quite deep in regards to defensive linemen, it is probably a smart decision to pass on a player with so many off-the-field concerns.

BYU’s Bronson Kaufusi has no such issues in the off-the-field department, and his athleticism makes him a high-ceiling prospect that could emerge as a star if problems with his technique are resolved.

As a former basketball player, Kaufusi has the agility and potential to evolve into a speed-rushing threat. The question is whether he will develop the body mass and strength necessary to become an every-down player in Houston’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

Next: Round 5