Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

2016 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Pre-Combine Seven-Round Mock

+Read full article
Getty Images

The Houston Texans were probably the biggest surprise in the AFC last season. Despite having pretty poor quarterback play, the team was able to make it to the postseason under the leadership of head coach Bill O’Brien. The team is going to have to add some pieces to be a contender in 2016, and here is a look at what they might do in the draft.

Round 1: RB Ezekiel Elliott – Ohio State

Round 1: RB Ezekiel Elliott – Ohio State Getty Images
Arian Foster has been hurt a lot over the past few years and the Texans may want to add a star back to play behind him. Elliott is just that, and he could be a top-five NFL running back after a season or two.

Arian Foster has been hurt a lot over the past few years and the Texans may want to add a star back to play behind him. Elliott is just that, and he could be a top-five NFL running back after a season or two.

Round 2: QB Christian Hackenberg – Penn State

Round 2: QB Christian Hackenberg – Penn State Getty Images
Brian Hoyer cannot be allowed to start again. Hackenberg was a top recruit of O’Brien’s at Penn State, so he is a logical choice in the second round. He has to improve his accuracy in the NFL, but O’Brien should be able to help him.

Brian Hoyer cannot be allowed to start again. Hackenberg was a top recruit of O’Brien’s at Penn State, so he is a logical choice in the second round. He has to improve his accuracy in the NFL, but O’Brien should be able to help him.

Round 3: G Joshua Garnett – Stanford

Round 3: G Joshua Garnett – Stanford Getty Images
Ben Brooks and Ben Jones are both free agents on the Texans’ offensive line, so the team could stand to add help in the draft. Garnett is a strong all-around guard who should develop into a good starter at the next level.

Ben Brooks and Ben Jones are both free agents on the Texans’ offensive line, so the team could stand to add help in the draft. Garnett is a strong all-around guard who should develop into a good starter at the next level.

Round 4: WR Geronimo Allison – Illinois

Round 4: WR Geronimo Allison – Illinois Getty Images
DeAndre Hopkins does not have much to work with across from him, and this pick could change that. Allison has been rising lately thanks to solid play at the East-West Shrine Game, and his speed and athleticism will help him succeed at the next level.

DeAndre Hopkins does not have much to work with across from him, and this pick could change that. Allison has been rising lately thanks to solid play at the East-West Shrine Game, and his speed and athleticism will help him succeed at the next level.

Round 5: DL Anthony Zettel – Penn State

Round 5: DL Anthony Zettel – Penn State Getty Images
The Texans could use a better starter at the end position than Jared Crick. Zettel has some upside, but he really needs to even out his strength for the next level. He could develop into a solid starter, especially playing across from J.J. Watt.

The Texans could use a better starter at the end position than Jared Crick. Zettel has some upside, but he really needs to even out his strength for the next level. He could develop into a solid starter, especially playing across from J.J. Watt.

Round 5: LB Tyrone Holmes – Montana

Round 5: LB Tyrone Holmes – Montana Getty Images
The Texans could use some pass rushing depth, and Holmes has a lot of upside. He totaled 18 sacks last season for Montana and should be a third-down contributor in the NFL. He would give Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney a little breather.

The Texans could use some pass rushing depth, and Holmes has a lot of upside. He totaled 18 sacks last season for Montana and should be a third-down contributor in the NFL. He would give Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney a little breather.

Round 7: S Michael Caputo – Wisconsin

Round 7: S Michael Caputo – Wisconsin Getty Images
Caputo may not have the coverage skills to be a starter in the NFL, but he has potential as a backup player or a special teamer. The Texans can afford to spend a pick on him late in the draft.

Caputo may not have the coverage skills to be a starter in the NFL, but he has potential as a backup player or a special teamer. The Texans can afford to spend a pick on him late in the draft.

Round 7: C Graham Shuler – Stanford

Round 7: C Graham Shuler – Stanford Getty Images
Why not give another Stanford lineman a shot? Shuler was a decent center for the Cardinal last year, and he has some developmental potential for the next level.

Why not give another Stanford lineman a shot? Shuler was a decent center for the Cardinal last year, and he has some developmental potential for the next level.

Your Favorites