John McClain is an award winning writer for the Houston Chronicle, and anyone who considers themselves a Houston Texans fan should follow him on Twitter for news and insight to the team they love. McClain is always one of the more reliable people in regards to breaking news on the Texans and his thoughts are usually spot on.
More from Toro Times
- Houston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?
- Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
- Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
- Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
- Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith
On Thursday McClain offered up his take on how he sees the 2015 NFL Draft unfolding, with his first mock draft of the offseason. Before beginning his slide show he brought up what the debate may be in the Texans war room when they are on the clock with the 16th overall pick.
"“Houston has the No. 16 pick, but it’s up for debate which need the Texans will address: Will they get a wide receiver to replace the departed Andre Johnson or a linebacker given the injuries to Jadeveon Clowney and Brian Cushing?” – McClain"
The sports writer has the team selecting defensive end/outside linebacker Alvin “Bud” Dupree out of Kentucky. Dupree would be an excellent selection for the Houston Texans, even though he does not play wide receiver, which everyone assumes the team has to draft.
What the team would get in the pass rusher is a 6’4″ and 269 pound freakish athlete who posted a 4.56 in the 40 yard dash. The young man has all the strength needed and more than enough speed to be effective at the next level.
Bud also played some basketball while growing up, which explains his athleticism and his 42-inch vertical leap. While he is immensely talented, Dupree is still rather raw and can use some solid coaching, which the team has in defensive coordinator Romeo Crenel.
McClain mentions the injuries to the pass rushing linebacker the team drafted last season, Jadeveon Clowney, but the move could be just as much about the potential starter on the other side of Clowney. Linebacker Whitney Mercilus, the first round pick in 2012 and has yet to reach his potential for the Texans.
In three season Mercilus has totaled 18 sacks, with his high being 2013 when he tallied seven. While the team is hopeful Clowney can return to form after his knee injuries, it doesn’t seem as though many people believe Mercilus will ever be more than a rotational rusher.
Landing Dupree here would give the team a solid option to compliment star defensive end J.J. Watt for years to come, while allowing Clowney to work his way back without too much pressure to perform immediately.