Houston Texans: Two different 7-round mock drafts
By Randy Gurzi
Here is the 7-round mock by our own Josh McSwain;
1. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
This one was down to Coleman or Vernon Butler, DT from Louisiana Tech. Due to the positional depth at defensive tackle in the draft I decided that position could wait and went with Coleman as the #2 receiver alongside DeAndre Hopkins.
2. Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
Other top safeties like Darian Thompson and Karl Joseph had already gone in the second round, but Kelly was still available to plug the hole at center. It was down to either Kelly, T.J. Green at safety or a defensive lineman. Austin Johnson from Penn State was also considered here, but there are still more good DL’s on the board so I tabled that and got the best center in the draft.
3. Hassan Ridgeway, DL, Texas
After putting off the need at DL for the first couple rounds, it’s time to get one. Ridgeway makes the short trip from Austin to Houston and will become a key player along the defensive line immediately. He can rush the passer well from inside.
4. Vadal Alexander, G, LSU
Jeff Allen came from the Chiefs as a free agent, but I thought why not bring in some competition at guard since there isn’t a safety to draft at this point in time?
5. Kevin Byard, S, Mid Tenn State
Finally, safety must be addressed. He is the best one left.
5. Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA
The Texans have gotten little production from tight ends recently, so they take the former Bruin to compete for snaps.
Next: The case for a defensive tackle in Round 1
6. DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
Even though Lamar Miller is in the fold, you need two backs in the league now. Washington is a dynamic playmaker and will compete for a roster spot with Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and others to be the #2 guy behind Miller.