Houston Texans: Seven-round mock draft

Jan 27, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive tackle D.J. Reader of Clemson (94) hits a tackling dummy in a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive tackle D.J. Reader of Clemson (94) hits a tackling dummy in a drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 8
Jul 20, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy addresses the media during the ACC football media day at the Grandover Resort. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2014; Greensboro, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive tackle Luther Maddy addresses the media during the ACC football media day at the Grandover Resort. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Now they grab Luther Maddy from Virginia Tech and use the Hokie defensive tackle in a similar role as Covington. Maddy stands 6-foot-2 and weighs around 290 pounds which makes him an ideal candidate to move from tackle to end in the Texans’ 3-4 system.

Maddy wound up spending five years on Tech’s roster after a medical hardship waiver allowed him to return in 2015. The previous season the defensive lineman played in just four games after needing two separate surgeries on a torn meniscus in his knee.

He returned in 2015 to start all 13 games. His final stat line included 57 tackles, seven for a loss and 2.5 sacks. The big man could be a force against the run and has great strength as he showed by bench pressing 450-pounds.

If the Texans are able to keep potential free agent Jared Crick they will have two solid, young backup ends with Maddy and Covington. If Crick does end up leaving the two young players could fight for the starting job while the other plays a swing role as the backup.

" >

#4

At pick 21 in round four the Texans start to address their lack of depth on the defensive line. In 2015 they picked up Christian Covington from Rice in round six and he served as a backup all along the defensive line.

Now they grab Luther Maddy from Virginia Tech and use the Hokie defensive tackle in a similar role as Covington. Maddy stands 6-foot-2 and weighs around 290 pounds which makes him an ideal candidate to move from tackle to end in the Texans’ 3-4 system.

Maddy wound up spending five years on Tech’s roster after a medical hardship waiver allowed him to return in 2015. The previous season the defensive lineman played in just four games after needing two separate surgeries on a torn meniscus in his knee.

He returned in 2015 to start all 13 games. His final stat line included 57 tackles, seven for a loss and 2.5 sacks. The big man could be a force against the run and has great strength as he showed by bench pressing 450-pounds.

If the Texans are able to keep potential free agent Jared Crick they will have two solid, young backup ends with Maddy and Covington. If Crick does end up leaving the two young players could fight for the starting job while the other plays a swing role as the backup.

Next: Round 5

Schedule