Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

having one of the most explosive offenses and defenses in an NFL designed around the promotion of league-wide parity, there are still a couple major needs on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Andre Johnson has rounded into form the second half of the season. But at 31 he is entering an age where receivers typically regress in somewhat dramatic fashion year over year. Even if Johnson still has two or three dominant years left, offensive coordinator Rick Dennison desperately needs a quality No. 2 wide receiver to draw attention away from blanketing Johnson and to a lesser extent, discouraging opposing defenses from adding another defender in the box to stop Arian Foster. Kevin Walter is more suited as a No. 3 or 4 possession receiver. They could also look to bolster the offensive line.

Defensively, Wade Phillips has almost an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Furthermore, they are extremely young and have been without the services of All-Pro linebacker, Brian Cushing for most of the season. Consider for a moment the ages of Houston’s key defensive players:

• LB Brian Cushing, 25
• DE J.J. Watt, 23
• ROLB Whitney Mercilus, 22
• CB, Johnathon Joseph, 28
• CB, Kareem Jackson, 24
• LOLB, Connor Barwin, 26
• LB, Brooks Reed, 25
• LB, Darryl Sharpton, 24
• S, Glover Quin, 26
• DE, Jared Crick, 23
• CB, Brandon Harris, 22

Admittedly, not every player on this list is currently contributing but its only a matter of time before they have an opportunity. These include talented depth guys who are likely starters on another roster in Jared Crick and Brandon Harris.

With Cushing’s return in 2013 and assuming Watt can maintain at his current level of play, the Texans could still use some help in the secondary, especially at Safety.

1^st round – Matt Elam, S, Florida

Height – 5-10

Weight – 205

What’s most exciting about this redshirt senior is any perceived shortcomings in his game are coachable or will such as taking better angles or learning when to wrap up instead of exploding into ball carriers or would-be receivers.

Blessed with rare athleticism which combined with his aggressive style, will make Elam a fan favorite. He is versatile enough to play either safety position and will instantly upgrade his future employer’s secondary while providing a bit of swagger. He is reminiscent of a mix between Bob Sanders, the pre chronically-injured version, and Ed Reed.

2^nd round – Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

Height – 6-2

Weight – 205

Dobson has improved each year despite a lack of an upper echelon quarterback throwing him the ball. Above all else, wide receivers that earn the title of a dependable do so first and foremost with outstanding hands. Throughout his career Dobson has continuously shown a knack for making acrobatic catches look easy and routine catches looking, well, routine. With excellent size and good, not great, speed Dobson will make a living in the NFL as a chain-moving receiver on short to intermediate routes.

He has been described as a humble and hard-working leader. Coaches have raved about the little things he takes pride in such as the effort he gives in blocking downfield for teammates.

3^rd round – Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee

Height – 6-7

Weight – 375

One of the bigger prospects in years, McCullers could be a fantastic fit at nose tackle for a 3-4 defense on a team that can afford to groom him for a year or two until he can drop about 20 pounds and acclimate himself to the rigors of an NFL conditioning regimen.

Based on sheer size alone, he should repeatedly accomplish the number one priority on a defense like the Texans use:  clog up the middle of the line demanding constant double-teams .

Other needs for 4^th round and beyond: OT, CB

October 20, 2012; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Aaron Dobson (3) before the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’3″

Weight: 200 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By:

40 Yard Dash:  N/A

Bench Press:  N/A

Vertical Jump:  N/A

Broad Jump:  N/A

20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

**2011**

Dobson is a guy who has submitted his name to the NFL Draft advisory board to be evaluated, and rightfully so. This is a kid who has a knack for making big plays, and in terms of scoring the football, he is consistently getting better. He needs three receptions to break his career mark of 44 and he has already doubled his season high in touchdown catches with 10 in 2011. He is still a really raw prospect, but I think if he receives a second or third round grade he will strongly consider coming out. He has good size and length, and is capable of being a dominant red zone target. The biggest problem is, if he comes out after his junior season will his production be enough that if he runs a poor 40 time, it wouldn’t hurt him? I think that is something he really has to consider. It might be wise for him to be part of the 2013 class of players and have another solid season next year for the Thundering Herd, but sometimes there are other factors that go into why a player decides to leave school a year early. It will be good to get to see him on a national stage and see what he can do in terms of route-running, separation, etc. Still a very raw prospect but the playmaking upside is definitely there.

Pros:

Good size…makes big plays…makes acrobatic catches…can create a little bit after he catches the football..good potential, has good speed for his size…

cons:

Raw…production isn’t terrific…consistency…route running could be improved…

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

All of our other scouting reports are here

Measurables:

#3  6’3″ 204 pounds

Junior

Projected 4.40-4.58 40 yard dash

Scouting Report

Dobson is a guy who has submitted his name to the NFL Draft advisory board to be evaluated, and rightfully so. This is a kid who has a knack for making big plays, and in terms of scoring the football, he is consistently getting better. He needs three receptions to break his career mark of 44 and he has already doubled his season high in touchdown catches with 10 in 2011. He is still a really raw prospect, but I think if he receives a second or third round grade he will strongly consider coming out. He has good size and length, and is capable of being a dominant red zone target. The biggest problem is, if he comes out after his junior season will his production be enough that if he runs a poor 40 time, it wouldn’t hurt him? I think that is something he really has to consider. It might be wise for him to be part of the 2013 class of players and have another solid season next year for the Thundering Herd, but sometimes there are other factors that go into why a player decides to leave school a year early. It will be good to get to see him on a national stage and see what he can do in terms of route-running, separation, etc. Still a very raw prospect but the playmaking upside is definitely there.

Pros:

Good size…makes big plays…makes acrobatic catches…can create a little bit after he catches the football..good potential, has good speed for his size…

cons:

Raw…production isn’t terrific…consistency…route running could be improved…

Video:

Beef o Brady’s Bowl