NFL 2015 Mock Draft: The Houston Texans Replace A Legend
The Houston Texans had an amazing turnaround in 2014. Under first year head coach Bill O’Brien, the Texans went from a 2-14 season in 2013, to 9-7 last year.
And coming this April is yet another opportunity for Houston to take another step forward in their comeback in the form of the NFL Draft. And as the owners of the 16th overall pick, the Texans have several areas of need that they could address with their first pick.
But according to Josh Sanchez at FanSided.com, the Texans will look towards their wide recevier corps in an attempt to replace a Houston legend.
With the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select…
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) dives to catch a pass in the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
Here’s Sanchez’s explanation of the pick:
"“Andre Johnson is on a clear decline and the team is in need of a young wide receiver to pair alongside DeAndre Hopkins. It will also help to get a quality quarterback in the mix, but it appears that search will continue for a little while longer.”"
Johnson, in his twelfth year in the NFL, recorded 85 receptions on 147 targets for 936 yards and only three touchdowns. Although these totals are his lowest since 2011, the 33-year old is coming off two back-to-back 100+ catch seasons.
Strong recorded 82 receptions for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season at Arizona State. The 6-3, 212 pound prospect is ranked as the 7th best wide receiver available by ESPN Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr’s in his positional rankings.
Kiper also has Strong being taken 29th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in his first mock draft of the year. In fact, the veteran analyst has receiver prospects Amari Cooper, Devante Parker, Kevin White, Dorial Green-Beckham, Devin Funchess all being selected before the former Sun Devil.
Outside of Johnson and Hopkins, the Texans 2014 recevier corp included Damaris Johnson, Keshawn Martin, and DeVier Posey.
Next: Houston Texans 2015 Running Back Preview
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