Grading The Houston Texans 2015 NFL Draft Picks

Nov 16, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tries to pump up the crowd noise against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: (B+) Benardrick McKinney

School: Mississippi State

Houston began to shake things up in the second round by making a trade with the Browns in order to move up from 19th to 11th. Their reasoning? They wanted Benardrick McKinney. And for good reason, too.

McKinney is a solid inside linebacker, standing at 6’4”, 246 lbs. The stat he shares with Kevin Johnson is he too, has not missed a single game in the past two years of collegiate play. A stat general manager, Rick Smith appears to be targeting in trend-fashion.

The Texans linebackers have a history with battling injuries, most notably with their 2014 first overall selection, Jadeveon Clowney and their 2009 first round pick, Brian Cushing who spent his first healthy season last year since 2012.

The team will welcome two defensive players who have a culture of playing through the pain, all year long.

Next: Rd 3: Jaelen Strong