Week 16 Mock Draft: Houston Texans

Oct 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Robert Woods (2) leads the Spirit of Troy marching band to a rendition of Tribute to Troy after the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Colorado, 50-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

With week 16 in the books, another mock draft has been released by Fansided. As we get closer to the draft, it will become more accurate, but they are never 100%. This weeks pick at 31, up from the previous spot of 32, Wide Receiver Robert Woods, USC.

Woods is a receiver that stands at 6’1” 190 pounds. Woods is a polished route runner who gets good release from the line, which will help the Texans early and often as they do not need to develop the receiver out of the draft. Having Woods means the Texans can possibly find a groove in their passing game, which has been hampered when they cannot get running back Arian Foster going. Woods does however have a lot of drops in his college career, but is heavily relied on by Quarterback Matt Barkley. With a polished runner from the get-go, the Texans can hopefully continue to stay in the mix as division leader / playoff contender.

Star Texans receiver Andre Johnson is in his 30’s, and their has been a lack of production from the receiving core as a whole. If Houston is to remain a playoff contender, then quarterback Matt Schaub needs better targets then Kevin Walter and Lestar Jean.

Woods is currently rated as a second round prospect, but if the Texans like him a 31, he would fill a huge need. Many teams above the Texans like the Dolphins, Patriots and Seahawks will surely be interested in receivers, causing them to fly off the board fast. If the Texans don’t take a receiver in the first round, then finding a late round gem may be the only way to go.

While Robert Woods is eligible for the draft, he may opt to return for one last year. However, Quarterback Matt Barkley is a senior who is applying to the draft, so not applying could significantly hurt Woods’ stock with a new quarterback.

– Antonio Furgiuele