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2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Texans could take in Round 1

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans rolls out looking for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans rolls out looking for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 01: Oklahoma Sooners tackle Cody Ford (#74) prepares for the snap during the Big 12 Championship game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns on December 1, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 01: Oklahoma Sooners tackle Cody Ford (#74) prepares for the snap during the Big 12 Championship game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns on December 1, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Cody Ford

Scouts are split on the subject of whether or not Ford projects as a guard or tackle at the next level. Either way, he’s a player the Texans could easily fall in love with. He’s got just the sort of mean streak that their offensive line needs.

At best, he blossoms into a right tackle who is an adequate pass blocker and a standout run blocker. At worst, he gets kicked inside to guard where he can absolutely maul opponents in the ground game. Keeping him inside would also eliminate any concerns over his lack of quickness in the passing game.

The bottom line here is that Ford would provide Houston with an immediate upgrade over either Zach Fulton or Seantrel Henderson. He’d give the Texans a little more value at tackle, but even if he slides inside to guard he’s still more than worthy of drafting with the No. 23 pick.

Ford isn’t a finished product, but he can provide above average run blocking right away for the Texans. Adding balance to the offense can be just as important to keeping Watson healthy as finding better pass blockers. Ford would be a solid first round pick for O’Brien and company.

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