The Top 5 Houston Texans First Round Draft Picks
The Houston Texans do not possess a draft pick in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. However this will be a retrospective of the best picks selected in the first round by the Texans.
Honorable Mention: Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson only appeared in seven games (six starts), but he looks like the real deal. The Texans signal caller looks to have a bright future and is worth a honorable mention. Watson’s selection on this list may be a bit controversial, but he may end up climbing this list when it is all said and done.
5. Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney was the first overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Clowney is an athletic freak and not the last one who will appear on this list. Clowney overcame a shortened rookie campaign to become one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. In four seasons (47 games played) Clowney has 20 sacks as a member of the Texans defense. Clowney has been selected to the Pro Bowl two times in his career and has one All Pro selection.
4. Mario Williams
The Texans selected Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL Draft. Williams spent six seasons in Houston and was a key member of the Texans defense. Williams helped establish the identity of what was a dominant defensive unit. Accumulating 53 sacks in 82 games., Willaims was quite impressive as a member of the Texans. Williams was a two time Pro Bowl selection during his time in Houston.
3. DeAndre Hopkins
Houston made DeAndre Hopkins the 27th overall selection in 2013 and got a steal. Hopkins is currently one of the leagues best wide receivers. Through his first five seasons Hopkins has 413 receptions for 5,865 yards and 36 touchdowns. Hopkins 2017 season marked a new career-high in touchdown receptions with 13. Hopkins has earned one All Pro selection to go with his two trips to the Pro Bowl.
2. J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt may be the most popular Texans player of all time. However he does not top this list. Watt was the 11th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and has been a force ever since. The Houston began the transformation into a dominant unit with Watt. Watt began his career as a prolific pass rusher before injuries have derailed his last two seasons. Through 88 career games Watt has 76 sacks. His personal accolades include four trips to the Pro Bowl, four All Pro selections, three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, 2014 Bert Bell Award winner, 2015 Pro Bowl Defensive MVP, 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and 2017 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.
1. Andre Johnson
Expecting someone else? Andre Johnson is the name when it comes to Houston Texans first round draft picks. The third overall pick of the 2003 draft spent 12 seasons in Houston. During this time Johnson caught 1012 passes for 13,597 yards and 64 touchdowns. Johnson’s performance in Houston made him the first member of the Texans Ring of Honor. A distinction he received on November 19, 2017. Johnson made seven Pro Bowl trips in addition to his three All Pro selections.