2011 NFL Draft: Houston Texans analysis and predictions

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 06:01

WHERE THEY NEED HELP: Defensive secondary (Cornerbacks and safeties)

ANALYSIS: The Texans do not need any help on offense. The defense is another story. The Texans finished 30th overall in defense, and gave up 427 points, third most in the NFL last season. Houston gave up an average of 267.5 passing yards, the worst in the NFL last season. The secondary gave up 33 passing touchdowns last season. Wade Phillips was brought in as the new defensive coordinator and will convert the Texans to a 3-4 defense. A nose tackle and blitzing linebacker will be needed, but that is not the most pressing need on defense. Fixing the secondary is the first priority.

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO: Draft cornerbacks and safeties early and often. If Amukamara is still on the board, grab him. If Dallas takes him, then Houston may reach to take cornerback Brandon Harris of Miami or Aldon Smith an outside linebacker from Missouri. Harris is third on most cornerback depth charts behind Peterson and Amukamara but is considered very good in man-to-man coverage and a good tackler. The alternative is Smith, a pass rushing linebacker.

WHERE THEY ARE EXPECTED TO USE THE FIRST PICK: Hoping for Amukamara, will settle for Brandon Harris, cornerback Miami.

2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT WITH TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS

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2011 NFL DRAFT TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS AND PREDICTIONS