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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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Washington State tackle Andre Dillard answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Washington State tackle Andre Dillard answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Andre Dillard

There are no questions about what position Dillard will play at the next level. He’s a natural left tackle. Scouts argue over whether or not he can be an elite player, but there’s no question he will protect a quarterback’s blind side at the next level.

It’s hard to imagine the Texans passing on Dillard if he’s available at No. 23. He’s not the most powerful in-line blocker in this class, but that’s not what Houston’s offense really needs.

What they need is a player who can hold up against elite edge rushers on the left side of the line. Dillard’s size and speed gives him a chance to match-up favorably against some of the best defensive ends in the game. Tackles who check in at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds and still run sub-5.0 40-yard dashes at the Combine are rare.

Next. Patriots want to draft Tom Brady's successor. dark

The Texans can’t go into the draft with any certainty that Dillard will fall to them in the draft, but if he does, he’s the perfect first round selection to fill their biggest need. Dillard isn’t a perfect prospect, but he’s a massive upgrade over the tackles the Texans trotted onto the field in 2018.

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