Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jay Ajayi (27) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Trades: Houston receives 24, 55 and Arizona receives 16, 152, and a future 3rd round pick… Houston receives 36 and Jacksonville receives 51 and 82.
*The Texans picks without trades are 16, 51, 82, 116, 152, 175, 194, 211, 216, and 125*
First Round (24) – Dorial Green-Beckham – WR – Oklahoma
The Texans are reportedly interested in Dorial Green-Beckham. He is the perfect fit because he plays differently then DeAndre Hopkins and Cecil Shorts. As of now, there is not a big receiver on the roster. At the underwear Olympics in February, he ran a 4.49 at 6’5 and 237 lbs. On tape, he looks as if he runs faster, but even if he isn’t truly a speed demon, he has the other intangibles that the Texans desperately need. The troubled talent can attack the ball at the highest point and uses his physique well. If a veteran like Nate Washington can take Dorial Green-Beckham under his wing, this would be a great value pick because he has the upside to be the best wide receiver in the draft.
Second Round (36) – Eric Kendricks – ILB – UCLA
If the Texans decide to trade down in the first round, they could want to trade up in other rounds. Eric Kendricks would be very worthy of a second round trade up if he does indeed fall into the second round. In a previous mock draft, I had Eric Kendricks going in the first round but his draft stock hasn’t grown at all. Kendricks is efficient in pass coverage and is also a sure tackler. He is a complete player and very worthy of trading up to get.
Second Round (55) – Jay Ajayi – RB – Boise State
Jay Ajayi is a great back for the Texans. He can catch passes in space, is stalky enough to bang inside the tackles, and has the vision to excel in a zone-blocking scheme. More importantly, Arian Foster desperately needs a counterpart in order to keep him healthy for a full season. The biggest concern and the reason why he isn’t being selected earlier is his knee. He has surgery on it in 2011 and several teams have downgraded or removed him from their list because of it.
Fourth Round (116) – Jesse James – TE – Penn State
Jesse James and Bill O’Brien are a match made in heaven. The Texans desperately need a pass catching tight end after the horrid production of last years tight ends. Chip Kelly is widely known to value players he has coached before and I think Bill O’Brien will follow his footsteps. This wouldn’t be the first ex-O’Brien player to be on the Texans roster (Mallett, Hoyer, Wilfork).
Fifth Round (175) – Jeremiah Poutasi – OG – Utah
Poutasi is the youngest and most experienced of the late round offensive guard prospects. Younger players have more upside usually and would be a solid pick. He has big and strong, but could struggle with fast edge rushers. Either way, the Texans desperately need interior backup lineman.
Sixth Round (194) – Chaz Green – OT – Florida
Cbs Sports describes Chaz Green as a seasoned vet. His strengths include vision, lateral movement, and good hands. With the lack of depth on the current roster on the offensive line, the Texans need someone who can play as a rookie if there is an injury.
Sixth Round (211) – Kyshoen Jarrett – SS – Virginia Tech
Jarrett is the opposite of DJ Swearinger. He can play zone coverage well but is undersized. Jarrett and Swearinger could work in tandem based on different downs, coverages, and teams based on their strengths. Kyshoen also adds value on special teams and can compete for the starting punt and kick return job.
Sixth Round (216) – Nick Marshall – CB/QB – Auburn
Nick Marshall would be a very interesting pick given his versatility. He played quarterback at Auburn but is trying to make a roster as a defensive back. He is very athletic and Bill O’Brien could have some ideas to help spark the offense, defense, and special teams.
Seventh Round (235) – Joey Mbu – DT – Houston
With the last pick of the 2015 NFL mock draft, the Texans select a local stud in Joey Mbu. He was voted as the team captain and has the leadership and worth ethic that coaches love. Mbu has struggled with conditioning just like Louis Nix III has. The Texans will need to find defensive tackle help at some point in the draft.
Next: 2015 Schedule