Houston Texans Top 3 needs entering the 2019 NFL Draft

Taking a closer look at the Houston Texans three most important needs to address as they are just days away of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Like the 31 other NFL teams, The Houston Texans have some glaring needs entering the 2019 NFL Draft. Luckily for Texans general manager Brian Gaine, the front office will have four draft picks in the first three rounds to address some of their needs.

Besides having their three original draft picks in the first three rounds, the Texans will be receiving Seattle Seahawks 2019 second round draft pick after trading Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown in 2017. Texans currently hold four picks in the Top 86 picks in the draft.

Offensive Tackle

Gaine announced in his pre-draft conference that he expects there to be competition between Julién Davenport and Matt Kalil for the starting spot at left tackle. Meanwhile, Gaine had previously announced in his press conference in the scouting combine that Seantrel Henderson was currently the projected starter at right tackle.

With Kendall Lamm’s departure to the Cleveland Browns, the Texans have an open spot at right tackle that they can draft and develop a potential prospect that can protect quarterback Deshaun Watson in the long term. Texans have Davenport, Lamm, Kalil, Henderson, Rick Leonard, and David Steinmetz currently under contract for the 2019 season.

Secondary

The Texans have several potholes to fill as they continue to build their road towards the start of the 2019 season. Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson, and Andre Hal have all departed from the Texans during the offseason.

Texans have brought in Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Bradley Roby to one-year short team deals, but the front office will have to find defensive backs that can be drafted and be developed for the long term. Johnathan Joseph is nearing the end of his career as the number one cornerback and he would be a valuable veteran and mentor to have with the incoming rookie cornerbacks.

Edge Rusher

Edge rusher is a wild card need for the Texans with Jadeveon Clowney’s uncertainty with his contract. Texans could use an edge rusher in this upcoming draft. Whitney Mercilus will also be entering the last year of his four year contract extension and had a down year after the Texans utilized him more like an off-ball linebacker in coverage instead of rushing the passer.

Texans currently hold the 23rd, 54th, 55th, and 86th picks in the first three rounds of the draft. Gaine is in a great position to address the needs in any order, stay true to his big board and draft the best player available at the position the Texans need to improve.