ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. released his idea of what would constitute an “A” graded draft for all 32 NFL franchises. Despite listing receiver as a top need for the Houston Texans, Kiper has none being selected in the first three rounds by.
Instead, Kiper had the Texans focusing solely on the defensive side of the ball, which seems odd due to the fact that the defense is considered to be the strength of the Houston Texans.
With Mel Kiper, Jr. playing general manager… in the first round the Houston Texans select;
Oct 4, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) recovers a fumble and scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Vic Beasley, Outside Linebacker, Clemson 6’3″ 246 pounds
Here Kiper has the Houston Texans going for an outside linebacker in the first round of his mock draft. Beasley, who racked up 13 sacks in 2013 and 12 in 2014, is one of the best pass rushers available in the upcoming NFL draft according to the NFL.com draft profile on him.
"Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator. High-impact talent, but needs to crank up competitive nature in order to reach his potential. Teams privately gushed about his ability to carry speed at the combine to go along with his additional weight."
How he fits in Houston:
As great of a player as Beasley is and as much as he would help the Texans, I see no way that he would actually be available for Houston in the middle of the first round. This would for sure be an “A” graded draft pick, especially considering that Beasley is widely considered to be gone in the top ten.
If he is there and the team snatches him up the Texans would immediately slide him in as a starting outside linebacker. Bealsey would add immediate help in the pass rushing department, an area the team struggled badly outside of defensive end J.J. Watt.
Beasley would be an upgrade over former first round linebacker Whitney Mercilus and help the team pressure quarterbacks while pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney tries to gain his footing after an injury plagued rookie campaign.