Houston Texans 7-Round mock draft: Defensive focus with offensive surprises
848. . Wide Receiver. Boilermakers . David Bell. 3. player
This is where the draft gets a little fun because the Houston Texans can use the 68th overall pick and their first of two third-round picks for offense, and there is a chance David Bell of Purdue will be on the board.
If that’s the case, the Texans better run the draft card to the commissioner personally to make sure they add another wide receiver to their roster.
Bell at the NFL Combine ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, and his hands measured at 9 1/4 inches. Bell is 6’1″ and weighs 212 pounds, so he’s not a small wide receiver, and in his NFL.com draft profile some of his strengths were described as the following:
“Offers value working out wide or from the slot. … Unpredictable releases into the route. … Runs smooth routes with detailed footwork. … Balance and agility for more complex route tree.”
He didn’t have the best overall combine, but that’s OK, because if he’s still available at 68th overall, and with the Texans rebuilding their roster, he’s a nice player to select at this point of the draft.
player. 815. . EDGE. Sooners . Nik Bonitto. 3
When it comes to the 80th overall pick and the second pick made by the Texans in the third round, this is where the team need to return to defense and add another EDGE player to the roster. Let’s get to know the name Nik Bonitto of Oklahoma, as he’s a projected Day 2 pick in the third round.
NFL.com graded Bonitto at a 6.33 (out of 10), meaning one day he’ll be a starter, but that’s great news for the Texans because he could be sitting for the taking when this pick arrives. Bonitto’s 4.54 40-yard dash time at the combine showcased his speed, and he had a 35.5 vertical jump.
The Texans need to make sure they are set at EDGE with pass rushers and players who can help stop the run and even play in coverage at times. If he becomes just a pass rusher for the Texans, that would work for the team, but if he becomes a complete player under Lovie Smith as the head coach, well, the Texans could have a steal in the third round with this potential selection.