Houston Texans Draft Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins with 27th Pick

Sep 8, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans wasted little time on Thursday night answering their biggest need – drafting wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins with the 27th overall pick. Hopkins was high on everyone’s draft board since his stock rose a couple of months ago, but with numerous receivers still left on the board, the Texans easily gained one of the best.

Out of the choices left, Cordarelle Patterson, Justin Hunter and Robert Woods were still available when the Texans were up, after Tavon Austin fell to the St. Louis Rams earlier with the eighth pick. Hopkins will have some adjusting to do when he hits Texans’ practice fields soon, as Clemson’s unique offense may not transition well to the NFL. But still, Hopkins is a natural hands catcher, and is probably a lot less of a gamble in comparison to guys like Patterson.

Hopkins set records last year, securing 18-touchdowns with the Bearcats. He has some punt return capabilities that may need to be unearthed, and continued to pile on more on more yards in his three college years, finishing with 1405 last season.

The Texans can now focus on their day two needs, which include a cornerback and both an outside and inside linebacker. Hopkins’ selection breaks the three year streak of defensive players being taken in the first round, and has given Gary Kubiak one of the best possible receivers to help Andre Johnson out, and replace the injured DeVier Posey.