The Houston Texans are once again on the clock so to speak heading into the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. With the speculation of selecting a wide receiver with first pick shot down, I wonder how many will continue to say it is a top need for the Texans? Let me be the first. The selection of defensive end/outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus continues GM Rick Smith‘s philosophy of defense first and he got another good one. But I am ready to add see another deep threat wide receiver or more depth added to the offensive line.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not questioning King Midas’ logic, for everything Smith does seems to turn to gold. And I learned my lesson when I questioned then GM Charlie Casserly when the Texans selected Mario Williams. The Texans’ management has certainly done a great job building long term and long standing success. Certainly they will continue to do so. So, for the sake of argument we say wide receiver and offensive line are the next areas addressed, who do we pick?
Let me suggest the option of trading up a little to pick Rueben Randle, wide receiver from LSU. I have previously suggested the same and stick by this thought. Randle certainly has the size, speed and hands to make it in The League. And he is still available. So is Stephen Hill, but I look for him to go rather early in the second round and don’t believe he is worth trading up that far to get. Randle is a familiar sight with many similarities to our own Andre Johnson including the same agent. With Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright and Michael Floyd gone Hill and Randle will most certainly be next. There is certainly a demand for them around the league.
With the loss of 2 offensive line starters, depth here has to be a concern. The Texans have given the vote of confidence to backups Antoine Caldwell and Rashad Butler but a little competition never hurts. Only 4 offensive linemen were selected in the first round meaning several highly rated picks are still available. The first that comes to mind is Kelechi Osemele from Iowa State. Osemele displayed all the tools necessary to compete in the NFL with size, quickness and strength. The Texans coaching staff has done a tremendous job developing their players on the offensive line and with the tools Osemele has, their job could be even easier.
Regardless of the direction Smith and the Houston Texans’ management decide to go, I am on board. Another big play wide receiver or offensive line depth would make me happy, but hey Rick Smith hasn’t contacted me yet.
Follow me on Twitter @ericdroddy
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