Houston Texans: Full 7-round 2016 mock draft, early version

Sep 6, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) attempts to tackle UAB Blazers quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe (16) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) attempts to tackle UAB Blazers quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe (16) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 20, 2015; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils player Jeremy Cash speaks to the media during the ACC football kickoff at Pinehurst Resort. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2015; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils player Jeremy Cash speaks to the media during the ACC football kickoff at Pinehurst Resort. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2, Pick 21: Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

The Texans may have found a gem of a free safety in converted corner Andre Hal, who started 11 games in 2015 and finished the season with 36 tackles and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a score.

Hal’s emergence in his second NFL season was a welcome sign after the flop that was the free agent signing of Rahim Moore who came over from the Denver Broncos as well as the even bigger poor signing of Stevie Brown, who never played a down for the team.

In Round 2 of the 2016 draft the team moves on from Moore once and for all, and pairs rookie Jeremy Cash with Hal to form a young, talented duo to patrol the end of their secondary.

Cash started his career at Ohio State, where he saw minimal action as a freshman before transferring to Duke after the 2011 season. He then became a three year starter for the Blue Devils and posted over 100 tackles each season, finishing with 332 in those three seasons.

Cash added five interceptions, 14 pass deflections and nine forced fumbles as well and at 6’2″ and 210 pounds he has the size to continue to be a solid tackler in the NFL.

Next: Round 3

Schedule