Houston Texans: Final 2019 7-Round Mock Draft

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 19: Bucky Hodges #7 of the Virginia Tech Hokies catches a tpouchdown pass in front of Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on November 19, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Virginia Tech defeated Notre Dame 34-31. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Round 2 (55th Overall): Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame

This is the round where the Houston Texans add to their secondary, and a player who could be available and could make an immediate difference from Day 1 is Notre Dame cornerback Julian Love.

Though he is under 6 feet tall, the 5-11 Love has proven at the collegiate level he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the 2019 NFL Draft and he’s able to be a starter in the league. According to the CBS Sports Draft Scouting Report on Love, he can do well in the league, as the following was written about him:

"“Elite combination of athleticism, awareness, and ball skills which led to huge production numbers while at Notre Dame. Decent versatility but probably best in a zone scheme that allows him to read and react to what’s in front of him.”"

Love played well in his final season with Notre Dame, as the stat that stands out the most is he had 16 passes defensed in 2018, and in 2017 that number was 20 passes defensed. Playing in the NFL, especially against an elite quarterback like Andrew Luck twice a season, the Texans need a cornerback like Love who has the abilities to have a high total of passes defensed.

His interception numbers don’t jump off the page, but going back to his ability to cover opposing wide receivers is what the Texans should be focusing on the most. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com has made comparisons to A.J. Bouye during the draft process.

Love could be the perfect cornerback for the Texans, and if he’s still on the board at 55th overall, he is a player the Texans must take a chance on and select in the second round.

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