Houston Texans should give Vince Wilfork an opportunity

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t know if the Houston Texans can afford him, but I think they and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork need to do business.

The defensive tackle, who was released by the New England Patriots after 10 seasons, could provide more leadership to the Texans, plus he could take some of the pressure off of All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt and that is very important to the Texans.

Wilfork has played a season in the Romeo Crennel defensive system.

Tania Ganguli wrote Thursday about Wilfork on ESPN.com:

"“Wilfork fits the mold perfectly. He’s a massive human being. A massive, but explosive two-gap nose tackle.”"

Don’t forget, the Texans didn’t re-sign defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (he signed with the Miami Dolphins) and it looks as if they won’t be re-signing defensive end Antonio Smith, so they really need to get to work on rebuilding or reworking their defensive line.

If the Texans could possibly sign Wilfork, even if just for a season or two, he’ll most likely create space for Watt, and that should be the No. 1 goal of the Texans … making life easier for Watt, so he can do even more on the football field that what he’s already done, which is a lot.

Plus, if the Texans go defense in the draft, especially with the No. 1 overall selection, the 2-14 season we witnessed in 2013 could seem like ages ago.

Also on Thursday, Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN said in his latest mock draft he would have the Texans select outside linebacker Khalil Mack of Buffalo. The Texans have also been predicted to select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney No. 1 overall.

They could also select a QB with the first pick, or just trade it to stockpile draft choices.

If the Texans do decide to take a defensive player in the first round, along with linebacker Brian Cushing returning from an LCL injury, the Texans’ defense could have a much different look than the unit we saw last season that struggled at times.

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