Houston Texans: 2020 NFL Draft Mid-Round targets
By Jair Lopez
The Houston Texans have several high upside players they could target with their two draft picks in the mid-rounds in day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans have had a good draft up to this point after selecting defensive lineman Ross Blacklock with the 40th overall pick in the second round and edge rusher Jonathan Greenway with 90th pick in the third round. It was expected for the Texans to go defensive heavy to start the draft, and it’s a trend that could continue into the third day of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Texans benefitted from the first round, only selecting 14 defensive players, and that set the tone for the next two rounds as defenders with high grades were there on day two. There are still a few players in the mid-rounds that could fill specific roles for Houston this upcoming season. Houston will be on the clock early in the fourth round with the Miami Dolphins pick they acquired in the trade that revolved around Laremy Tunsil.
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Amik Robertson DB
An undersized outside cornerback at 5’8 for Louisiana Tech, Amik Robertson is one of the best players remaining on the board.
Robertson is one of the favorites to hear his name called on day three despite being on the smaller size of the spectrum at his position. Robertson will likely have to play as a slot cornerback or safety at the next level, but he doesn’t lack the physicality to make a living in that role.
Texans don’t usually utilize undersized players, but they have made the exception for players in the past like Charles James and Tyrann Mathieu. There isn’t a clear need for a cornerback, but a team can never have enough talent at that position with how pass-oriented offenses are now.
Akeem Davis-Gaither LB/S
NFL teams will have to decide if Akeem Davis-Gaither from Appalachian State is a linebacker or safety at 6’1, but the truth is he could do a little bit of both at the next level. Texans were a team that met with him pre-draft, and he could play as a box safety or inside linebacker in different defensive packages for Houston.
Texans don’t have a lot of depth outside of their first three options at inside linebacker, and Dylan Cole has dealt with his fair share of his injuries that have kept him sidelined since arriving in the league in 2015 as an undrafted free agent.
Davis-Gaither could be solid value in the middle rounds and could go with the mantra of going defense throughout the draft
Quartney Davis WR
Texas A&M wide receiver and Texas native Quartney Davis could be an intriguing addition in the fifth round when the Houston Texans are back on the clock with the 171st overall pick in the draft. A redshirt junior entering the draft, Davis had 99 catches for 1201 yards and 11 touchdown receptions through his 13 games in college.
Those are decent numbers given that Aggies haven’t had the most stable quarterback room in awhile. Davis is a versatile receiver that can play multiple positions for the Texans; he could push DeAndre Carter and Keke Coutee for a spot next season. It’s important to note that Will Fuller and Kenny Stills are free agents after this season, and it’s a legitimate question whether the Texans can bring both back in 2021.
Texans have done their due diligence on Davis meeting with him not only at the Senior Bowl but also at the NFL Combine. Given the fact that NFL teams were given limited access due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Texans could draft players they are confident can be resourceful on their own until training camp potentially starts down the road.
Edge rushers Bradlee Anae from Utah, Trevis Gipson from Tulsa, and Curtis Weaver from Boise State are other options Houston has met with, but it makes less sense with the Greenard pick in the third round. Utah nose tackle Leki Fotu is another option in day three, but Texans could explore where Blacklock fits best in the defense before drafting another competitor to the defensive line.
Next. Jonathan Greenard 3rd round Draft Grade. dark
The Texans have had a solid haul up to this point of the draft and could close it strong with five more picks. Houston will have a fourth, fifth, and three picks in the seventh round.