Houston Texans: From A. Johnson To K. Johnson
In 2003, having only one season under their young belt, the Houston Texans selected Miami wide receiver Andre Johnson with the third overall pick. 12 seasons later, the franchise parted ways with the Future Hall of Famer, creating by far, the largest void for the team to fill via the draft.
With the 16th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Texans selected Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson.
Kevin Johnson racked up seven career interceptions during his tenure at Wake Forest while never missing a single game due to injury.
The front office show their “Defense Wins Championships” belief with their first round pick, while extending fans hopes of drafting a wide receiver sooner rather than later this weekend. The Houston Texans have now scooped up a defensive player in the first round of the last six out of seven NFL drafts.
DeAndre Hopkins, the team’s rising star, had an explosive 2014 season that surely prompted general manager Rick Smith to go for Kevin Johnson in the first round, rather than replace the loss of Andre Johnson by choosing a capable wide receiver through either Dorial Green-Beckham or Nelson Agholor, both of whom were still available at pick 16.
With Kevin Johnson, comes the surging prayers and pressures of pushing the Texan’s secondary to go from good to great. No doubt, acquiring Kevin Johnson is a big step forward for the Houston defense who face the Colts, Bengals and Saints, all who are passing giants in the league.
The 2015 campaign will be crucial for defensive end J.J. Watt in his pursuit to leave an NFL legacy that is to rival legendary status. He’ll gladly welcome Kevin Johnson into the AFC South.