2021 NFL Draft: Houston Texans 7-round mock

ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Dyami Brown #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels is tackled by cornerback Christian Braswell #14 of the Temple Owls after catching a pass in the second half in the Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 27, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

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Jan 26, 2021; Mobile, Alabama, USA; National offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin -Whitewater (71) gets set with National quarterback Ian Book of Notre Dame (12) in drills during National team practice during the 2021 Senior Bowl week. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wisconsin -Whitewater. Quinn Meinerz. 100. . player. OL

Will the Texans move Tytus Howard inside? Should they run it back another year with the same unit that allowed Watson to be sacked 50 times last season? Culley and Caserio need to build the offensive line in their image. That, and keep Watson alive on every play.

By now, Meinerz is no longer a draft secret. The Division III product excelled beyond belief last month in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Much like Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa or Ben Bartch, the former Warhawk saw his draft stock skyrocket after making mincemeat with DI players.

Meinerz is versatile as a blocker in both run and pass protection. His wider frame allows him to have a good base for initial punches and his overall footwork is clean. Best of all, he isn’t limited to one position and could fill the gap anyone up the middle.

Houston’s tackles aren’t stellar, but they aren’t the biggest problem. The middle of the offensive line is where they need help and Meinerz does it all.

Pick Analysis. player. 10. Scouting Report. CB . Ohio State. Shaun Wade . 113

Cornerback will be a need to watch for right around here. Houston should be aggressive in free agency to add a name for the perimeter, but what about in the slot? Teams are becoming more heavy in passing sets and need to third defensive backs in coverage.

Wade at one point was a top-10 target in the NFL Draft. Now, he’ll be lucky to be selected in the top 100. After getting creamed covering by DeVonta Smith, the former Buckeye is limited to playing inside the slot. Still, he’s a willing tackler and can cause receivers to drop passes.

A name like Wade in the second round is too rich. Should he fall for the fourth, there’s value in a player with that much experience in against Big 10 opponents. Worst-case scenario, the Texans move him to safety and he pairs well with Justin Reid.

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