2018 NFL Draft: Houston Texans 7-round mock

Round 3 – Pick 80

Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin

Outside of offensive line, the Texans were absolutely destroyed by their weak secondary. Johnathan Joseph is an impending free agent and is aging. He was also the team’s best corner. Former first round pick Kevin Johnson has struggled. The team could use an influx of talent at the corner position.

With their second pick in the third round they would be smart to grab Wisconsins’ Nick Nelson. The former Hawaii transfer was a starter for all of Wisconsin’s fantastic 2017 run. He made a big impact with 21 pass break ups for the Badgers.

This is a deep corner class, so Texans fans should be happy to grab a player of Nelson’s caliber in the third round. At 5-foot-11 he does not possess the ideal size that teams are looking for. What he does have is excellent hips and athleticism. He also carries himself like he is the best defender on the field, a trait that is under-valued in the position.

It may take some time for Nelson to develop into a starter but it would not surprise me to see him get on the field sooner rather than later. Houston is simply lacking any elite cover corners, especially if Joseph walks in free agency.

Owning three picks in the third round, it also would not surprise me to see Houston package some to get back up into the second round. Again, it is a deep corner class and if they could get into the middle of round two there would be better options available to them that are plug and play starters.