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Houston Texans: Five positions to address in the draft

By Randy Gurzi

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 6, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts after a sack against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (98) reacts after a sack against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nose Tackle

It seems like defensive tackle Vince Wilfork gets a pass for doing nothing in Houston last season. Still, he wasn’t good at all and needs to be replaced.

Even if the Texans don’t agree, there is no depth behind him as the big man from Miami is the only true nose tackle on the roster.

The team did try and address the position in 2014 as they selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix III with one of their third-round selections. Unfortunately, Nix was a disappointment and was cut this year before ever playing a regular season game for Houston.

His failure can’t keep the team from trying again, and neither should Wilfork’s presence on the roster. The 2016 draft if full of talented defensive linemen, and Houston should have plenty of opportunities to find their cog in the middle.

In the first round some talented players could still be there like A’Shawn Robinson or Jarran Reed of Alabama when the Texans pick at 22. Baylor’s Andrew Billings and Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler could be there as well, while some mock drafts have had both around in round two still as well.

Other options include Penn State’s Austin Johnson, Texas’ Hassan Ridgeway and UCLA’s Kenny Clark.

Next: No. 3

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