It's a been awhile and they've made some changes with the lower rounds:
1. 1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Quote:
I wrote this in my NFL Power Rankings a few weeks ago regarding the No. 1 pick: Mel Kiper appeared on Sunday NFL Countdown and said that the No. 1 overall pick will come down to three players: Jadeveon Clowney, Anthony Barr and Jake Matthews. If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Clowney would probably be the pick. But this reminds me of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both Kiper and Todd McShay thought a defensive lineman would be the top choice (Kiper said Nick Fairley, while McShay suggested Da'Quan Bowers), yet the Panthers ultimately fell in love with Cam Newton.
With Jay Cutler re-signed, the same thing will almost certainly happen to the Texans, who will have four months to become smitten with Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel. One of those signal-callers will probably be the No. 1 pick.
Given how important the quarterback position is, Bridgewater or another signal-caller will the No. 1 selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. There's really no discussion. Clowney, Barr and Matthews wouldn't get Houston's franchise back into the playoffs. A franchise quarterback would. The Texans will talk themselves into drafting one of them.
So, which one will it be? Bridgewater is considered the favorite right now, but Bortles might be a better fit for Bill O'Brien's offense. I may slot him here in the near future. Then, there's Manziel, whom owner Bob McNair seems smitten with. He can't be counted out.
|
2. 33. Kyle Van Noy, DE/OLB, BYU
Quote:
|
The Texans would kill two stones with one bird with this pick, as Emmitt would say. They need to upgrade their pass rush and find some help at inside linebacker. Kyle Van Noy would satisfy the former, which would allow Brooks Reed to move inside.
|
3. 65. Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada
Quote:
|
As mentioned earlier, teams that spend early picks on quarterbacks often double up on offense. If the Texans decide to do that, they could certainly upgrade the right tackle position, which is a big problem area for them.
|
4. 97. E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri
Quote:
|
Brice McCain was a huge disappointment in 2013, so the Texans will want to add a cornerback at some point during the middle rounds.
|
The 1-1 choice will be picked apart so no point rehashing it here. Van Noy is an interesting choice as he is an impact player but a tad undersized for the next level. He can defenitely rush the QB and we need that and, as a bonus, has some pass coverage skills so he can definitely be a three-down player. He makes plays. As with anybody from BYU, check the birth certificate.
Drafting OL in the third round makes sense except we seem to do that every year and mostly have wound up with crap. Help at RT is definitely needed but I'm leaning towards finding a veteran in free agency rather than fooling around with more rookies. CB in the 4th round is another smart get. I wonder if/when we might look for a RB to give us depth and insurance in case Foster/Tate aren't ready. Your thoughts?