Three Possible Positions that could be addressed early in the 2018 NFL Draft

Texans are a few days away from being on the clock.

Texans had a busy offseason adding multiple players along the offensive line, secondary, special teams, and quarterback.

2018 Draft Selections

Despite not having Draft picks in the first and second rounds, Texans still have a chance to draft decent players or trade up since they hold three draft choices in the third:

3rd Round (68th)
3rd Round (80th via Seattle)
3rd Round (98th, compensatory)
4th Round (103rd)
6th Round (177th)
6th Round (211th, compensatory)
6th Round (214th, compensatory)
7th Round (222nd)

Linebacker

The Texans are top heavy at both their linebacker positions. Jadeveon Clowney, Benardrick McKinney, Zach Cunningham, and Whitney Mercilus can be considered the fantastic four in the Texans front seven.

However, depth is needed at these positions after the team was exposed with very little depth when the injury storm struck the Texans throughout the season.

Inside linebacker Dylan Cole was a promising rookie contributor last season in nickel and dime packages. He had issues staying healthy as a rookie, but he looked the part when he was on the field.

Besides Cole, there isn’t enough depth at inside linebacker, Texans will need at least one more player who can consistently contribute on defense.

Brian Peters, Kennan Gilchrist, Josh Keyes, and Ben Heeney are all long shots to be contributors on a healthy Texans defense. There calling card will be special teams if they still want to be here when the regular season rolls around.

This draft is relatively deep at linebacker, and Shaquem Griffin will be an interesting player to monitor as the Texans are on the clock on Day 2.

Griffin is pegged by many draft pundits to be a third to mid round pick. He is a scheme versatile athletic linebacker with the ability to be an early contributor on special teams.

Texans had him on their Senior Bowl roster, and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was able to see him up close. He drew rave reviews from scouts and Texans coaching staff throughout the week leading up to the Senior Bowl.

Griffin could be a valuable chess piece in Romeo Crennel’s defense if he is still on the board when the Texans are on the clock.

Tight End

This is an important spot that will certainly be addressed early with C.J. Fiedorowicz’s retirement during the offseason.

Texans have multiple pass catching tight ends in Ryan Griffin and Stephen Anderson, but no true inline blocking tight end on the roster.

Griffin can be considered a U Tight end as he can catch and block to a certain extent. Anderson is strictly a F tight end as he is an undersized catching tight end that offers little impact as a blocker.

Texans are missing that throwback Y tight end that can serve as an extra blocker alongside the offensive line, and serve as a safety valve for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Stanford prospect Dalton Schultz could be a fit for the Texans since he is mocked to be a third round draft choice.

Besides Anderson and Griffin, Texans have MyCole Pruitt, Matt Lengel, Zach Conque, Ryan Malleck, and Javoni Robinson on the roster.

Offensive Tackle

Texans currently have three offensive tackles that have played in the NFL: Julién Davenport, Kendall Lamm, Seantrel Henderson. Jake Rodgers has been on several NFL practice squads, but has never played in a game during the regular season.

They are a young and unproven group with Henderson and Rodgers being the oldest at 26 years of age.

Texans are going through a rebuilding phase on the offensive line and both tackle spots should be addressed in the draft.

Needs that could be addressed in the mid to late rounds:

Texans have enough picks later in the draft to take a flyer on a running back, safety, or a defensive end.