The Houston Texans ranked 24th in the NFL last season in passing offense. Part of the reason for that was due to having Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback for most of the year. The other reason was due to a lack of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.
The Texans have a chance to help correct that deficiency in the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 16th overall pick in the first round, Houston has a chance to land a unique playmaker. But only if he falls to them.
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This year’s wide recevier draft class is considered to be very deep and very talented. But no one questions who the top three prospects are: Alabama’s Amari Cooper, West Virginia’s Kevin White and Louisville’s DeVante Parker.
Most mock drafts have both Cooper and White getting selected before Parker. But all of them have the potential to be chosen within the top 15 selections. And the difference in talent level between the three ise considered to be fairly close by many.
As for the Houston Texans, their best bet for one of these three elite receivers to fall to them at No. 16 is Parker. And that will take a bit of luck as the Miami Dolphins (14th overall), the Minnesota Vikings (11th overall) and the San Francisco 49ers (15th overall) are all rumored to be interested in him.
Devante Parker says Miami, Minnesota, Chargers, 49ers have had meetings with him
— Steve Jones (@SteveJones_KH) March 11, 2015
The Vikings may actually have more motivation over the other teams as their second-year quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, used to be Parker’s teammate and favorite target at Louisville.
But just how talented is Parker? The 6-3, 209 pound receiver has been compared to Cincinnati Bengals four-time Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Green.
Last season, Parker recorded 43 receptions for 855 yards and five touchdowns in only seven games following foot surgery. As a junior, he lead the team with 55 catches for 885 yards and tied a Cardinal-record with 12 scoring receptions.
In Houston, Parker would make a good pairing with budding superstar recevier DeAndre Hopkins. His addition would also give whomever is under center for the Texans when the season starts, another legitimate offensive weapon.