Houston Texans Add D.J. Swearinger in the Second Round

Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back D.J. Swearinger runs with the ball after making a catch during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans stayed predictable by answering another need in the second round on Friday night, adding defensive back D.J. Swearinger to Wade Phillips’ defense.

Swearinger is known for his fast motor and ability to play straight up and down, and will likely step in right away with Ed Reed to try and fill the void left by Glover Quin’s absence. He adds depth at a position that has struggled with injuries in the past two seasons, and even though he has some kinks to work out, Swearinger’s six interceptions at South Carolina are likely what kept Rick Smith interested.

Those kinks that I’m talking about, can be worked out though. He struggles in coverage on tight ends, something that will be required heavily playing in the AFC South – and can sometimes to get too physical with receivers on deep balls.

Swearinger may not be the ideal height the Texans were looking for in a defensive back – he’s only 5’10. But he has tremendous vision and athletic ability, and also adds a threat on blitz plays. His height hasn’t affected him in college, so we’ll see how he transitions to the NFL.