2018 NFL Draft: Houston Texans 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
The Houston Texans did not have a successful season, except for the stint where Deshaun Watson looked like a super star. Here is how they should use their little ammo in the NFL draft to build on that.
There may not have been a team more decimated by injuries to their best players than the Houston Texans. They lost J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, and Deshaun Watson among others. This team is poised for a bounce back year. With no first or second round pick the team will have to be creative to grab some impact players. These are the picks they should go after to address their needs.
This mock draft was done using Fanspeak’s On the Clock tool, a fun and informative tool for NFL draft fans.
Round 3 – Pick 68
James Daniels, C/G, Iowa
Houston used the top of their 2018 draft to jump up in the 2017 draft to grab Deshaun Watson. He only played in five games before tearing up his knee. During those five games, he set the league on fire. The Texans found their franchise quarterback, now it is time to protect their top asset.
In round three Houston would be lucky to grab a player like Iowa’s James Daniels. The versatile interior offensive lineman is one of the better players at his position in the draft. He falls in this version of the mock because of his position more than anything.
Houston could lose their starting guard in Xavier Sua’filo to free agency. If he is retained, the team needs upgrades inside. Center Nick Martin, after returning from injury, should be considered safe. Everyone else should be upgraded.
Daniels would be a plug and play starter at guard while also giving Houston insurance on Martin at center. On the field Daniels is the typical Iowa offensive lineman. He is a smart, physical blocker who should be a solid player at the next level at either guard spots or center.