NFL Mock Draft: Week 14

By Brad Weiss | Dec 7, 2016

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws as he is pressured by UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) in the first half during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA. Takkarist McKinley. 25. player. 10. . DE

How in the world are the Houston Texans still in first place in the AFC South? This past offseason, the team went out and spent a ton of money on a quarterback who only started seven games in his NFL career. While it is clear the Brock Osweiler experiment is off to a rocky start, he is going to get to play out at least next year as the team’s starter, which means no quarterback for the Texans in round one.

Another alarming issue is the health of J.J. Watt, who has been the best defensive player in the league since he made his debut for the Texans back in 2011. The team does not know what kind of player he is going to be once he returns, and it is time to start planning for life without him. There are a ton of good defensive ends in this draft, and while none is likely to ever be the player Watt is, adding depth to that position is a priority.

One such player is Takkarist McKinley of UCLA, who is regarded as one of the most athletic players at his position in college football. McKinley could play linebacker or defensive end at the next level, as he is fast enough and strong enough to do both. He would fit perfectly into a Texans defense that should hopefully have a healthy Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing next season.

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