Round 2, Pick 44 (from SF): Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
The Houston Texans continue to make headlines this offseason, and mainly for all the wrong reasons. While this most likely won’t be coming as any sort of surprise, reports are starting to confirm that J.J. Watt has most likely played his last snap for the Texans.
From @GMFB Weekend: While the focus for the #Texans has been on the future of QB Deshaun Watson, they also know that star JJ Watt deserves clarity on his situation as well, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Watt has been the face of the franchise for the last decade...
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2021
Even if he was to return, the Texans have an enormous need on the defensive line. Remember, in this mock draft the Texans are receiving Quinnen Williams as a part of the blockbuster Deshaun Watson trade! Williams immediately becomes the best player across Houston’s front, but the team still has a huge need for some edge rushers.
Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai has become a draft favorite of mine, and I won’t be surprised if he goes higher than this. In the middle of the second round, he offers terrific value. He boasts impressive size, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing just over 250 pounds. I am a huge proponent of drafting athletes, and these first two selections reflect that ideal. Ossai pairs his promising size with some intriguing athleticism.
In addition to the size and athleticism, Ossai was able to produce at an impressive level during his time in Austin. Over his final two years in Austin, Ossai compiled 10 sacks and a whopping 29 tackles for loss.
However, when watching Ossai’s film, nothing stands out more than his motor. He is the example of a player that never takes a play off. Ossai’s hard-working, never-quit mentality would be a welcome addition to a defensive unit that is desperately searching for an identity.