Apr 26, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans first round draft pick wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins poses for a picture with offensive coordinator Rick Dennison and mother Sabrina Greenlee during a press conference at at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

1. First round, 27th overall: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

We’ve been saying for a long time now that the Texans need to get someone who can be that legitimate #2 threat alongside of Andre Johnson, and they may have gotten the best receiver in the draft. Hopkins showed in the Clemson bowl game last year that he can take over games with his two mitts, and he proved over the course of the year that he was the most consistently dominant player at his position in college football. He’s not the fastest receiver, but he is tough and he knows how to get himself open. He is also a great threat in the red zone. I think Houston has a really good thing going here with Hopkins in the fold, and guys they drafted last year like DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin. They need those two guys to step up this season, and I think Hopkins also adds a significant upgrade. It doesn’t feel like Andre Johnson is that old because he still performs at such a high level, but he was the team’s second ever first round selection, and Hopkins has been selected 10 years later as his #2 and possibly eventual replacement. Time has flown in Houston.

2. Second round, 57th overall: D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina

This is a really good fit for Houston, and a guy who can come in and play special teams while learning from Ed Reed. I think when you look at the depth in Houston’s secondary, the clear weakness is at the safety position. Swearinger gives them a guy who could start if there was a need, but he also offers a lot of versatility as a reserve. This is not the fastest safety, but he is a head hunter and he can really excel in the box. I think in Houston’s sub-packages on defense, he’s going to be a real asset as a rookie, eventually developing into a starting safety in the NFL.

3. Third round, 89th overall: Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

The Texans have a need at right tackle with Derek Newton coming off of major knee surgery, and Williams fits the bill. This is an offensive lineman who plays with a nasty streak, and while he’s not quite as athletic as some of the tackles that came out in this draft, I think he’s solid value in the third round, and can give the Texans a guy who can start right away at right tackle if they need him to. Williams is coming off some injuries himself (knee, shoulder) so that is also something to keep an eye on as he goes into Texans camp competing for a starting job.

4. Third round, 95th overall: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

This is a pick I absolutely love. I think Montgomery on the field is as good a defensive end in this draft as any when he wants to be. The problem is, a lot of teams were concerned about his not giving full effort when the LSU Tigers played bad competition, even if his statements on that situation were taken out of context. If he wants to succeed in the NFL, he’s going to have to take every opponent seriously and not let his ability or the talent level of his team get to his head. When I watched Montgomery as a sophomore, I saw a top 10 pick. He is so quick off the snap, and has a lot of elite qualities as a pass rusher. As a junior, he put on a lot of weight (good weight) and was expected to be an even more dominant player, but I think the weight gain slowed him down a bit, and took away from what his production could have been. He will be a rush linebacker for the Texans in their 3-4 defense, and give them some very solid depth behind Whitney Mercilus and Brooks Reed.

5. Fourth round, 124th overall: Trevardo Williams, DE/OLB, UConn

This is a very athletic, very productive pass rush prospect who is just starting to come into his own as a player. He has incredible speed and quickness, and I think his ability to get to the quarterback is a pretty rare skill. He fell in the draft a bit due to size and teams weren’t really sure what position he’d be the best fit for, but I think he can excel in Houston because they have a need for pass rushers, and he does that really well. The Texans are so high on this guy, they feel like he potentially gives them the option of playing Brooks Reed at inside linebacker, another spot where they need some help.

6. Sixth round, 176th overall: David Quessenberry, OL, San Jose State

Solid offensive line prospect who played tackle in college and gives the Texans a variety of options for some depth on their offensive front. This is a very good athlete and a former tight end who is a good fit for the Texans’ zone blocking scheme, but he’s going to take some seasoning before he is ready for big time NFL action. We should get a good look at him in the pre-season, but I think for a sixth round pick, you are doing well if you add a guy who can contribute on special teams or add depth to your offensive/defensive line.

7. Sixth round, 195th overall: Alan Bonner, WR, Jacksonville State

Quicker than fast player who was expected to be undrafted, but gets picked up here by the Texans in the sixth round. I think he is going to be a slot receiver in the NFL, and he should also be able to contribute on kick/punt returns if the Texans want him to. He has pretty average size at 5’10″ 193 pounds, and didn’t really blow anyone away with his athletic numbers. The Texans must feel like his game tape was too good to let him get to the UDFA pool.

8. Sixth round, 198th overall: Chris Jones, DL, Bowling Green

This is a very underrated defensive tackle prospect who could potentially play some nose for the Texans in Wade Phillips’ defense. He has great toughness and gives 100 percent effort on every single play. This guy never takes a play off. The fact that he went to Bowling Green pushed him down draft boards in all likelihood, but he was an All-American and the MAC defensive player of the year with 12.5 sacks from the defensive tackle position. I wouldn’t be surprised with his work habits if down the road, he ended up taking over the starting nose tackle job. Maybe he’s not cut out for the NFL game, but I think I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

9. Sixth round, 201st overall: Ryan Griffin, TE, UConn

Very athletic, very steadily improving tight end prospect. He has had some really good numbers in his years at UConn, and he has excellent size. He will be a developmental prospect for the Texans, but I think in the seventh round, he can add some really nice depth and give them a deeper rotation, especially with James Casey going to the Eagles.

Overall

I think the Texans had a great draft. They picked up one of the best receivers in the country in DeAndre Hopkins, who I think is still really underrated even being a first round pick. I think the Swearinger pickup is a solid one, and the Texans maybe found a starter at right tackle in Brennan Williams. I absolutely love some of their mid-late round picks, specifically Sam Montgomery, Trevardo Williams, and Chris Jones. I think those guys will bolster depth and give them starting potential right away.

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) stiffarms New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (37) in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans were the best team in the first half of the NFL season, and then everything turned into a slow crumble. Matt Schaub is not a franchise quarterback to me, and aside from Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Arian Foster, the Texans have no really scary offensive weapons.

This is a team that is about to seriously miss its window. They have a very good defense but I think they’ll start to really feel the effects of losing a Mario Williams. They have two pieces in Foster and defensive lineman J.J. Watt to build on for the future, but I think with Matt Schaub and no real replacement at QB on the way, this is a team that could be in serious jeopardy of missing its chance at a Super Bowl title.

Here are their team needs (in my opinion) in no particular order.

1. Wide Receiver

Andre Johnson is getting older (first rd pick in 2003), and has slowly started to pile on injuries the last couple of years. They used third and fourth round picks on DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin respectively, and they are holding out hope that those guys will develop into something solid. Kevin Walter is capable of making some plays but not on a consistent enough basis. If Andre Johnson would go down, this area of the team would be a liability, big time. They should look to add a receiver early in the 2012 draft.

2. Inside Linebacker

This position has turned into a huge weakness with Brian Cushing hitting IR and DeMeco Ryans being traded for basically nothing to the Eagles. I think the Texans could very well look to this position with their first round pick in 2013 with the guys that could be available like Alec Ogletree, Kevin Minter, and Manti Te’o.

3. Cornerback/Safety

This could become much bigger of a need if the Texans lose some of their free agents in 2013. Led by Glover Quin, Quintin Demps, Brice McCain, and Alan Ball, this is a unit that may need some attention. I think Quin will for sure be retained, keeping the Texans’ starting lineup in-tact, but there are some upgrades to be had. Jonathan Joseph is one of the best corners in the league, and Kareem Jackson appears to be improving as well. Still, the Texans were able to muster 15 INTs last year, which is solid.

4. Nose Tackle

Shaun Cody is a free agent and could be upgraded anyway. There are some really solid nose tackle prospects coming into this draft, and adding a young playmaker there could make JJ Watt even more dangerous.

5. Running Back Depth

Foster is the best in the league arguably. Ben Tate, though, has had some real injury problems and Justin Forsett is injury prone. It might be time for the Texans to add another talented back so Foster can maintain his productivity.

6. Quarterback

I may be in the minority here, but I think it’s time for Houston to start looking to the future a bit. Matt Schaub will be 32 this year so he’s not ancient by any means, but I just don’t think he has the ‘it’ factor. I know many will disagree, but while Schaub is effective and doesn’t make a ton of mistakes, he’s not a good athlete and he doesn’t make enough plays. If Houston had a guy like Russell Wilson, I think they’d be Super Bowl favorites next season.

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

Oct 6, 2012; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (6) carries the ball while being defended by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Jemea Thomas (14) during the second quarter of the game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Height:  6’1″

Weight: 214 pounds

Position Rank:

Drafted By: Houston Texans (1st round, 27th overall)

40 Yard Dash:  4.57

Vertical Jump:  36″

Broad Jump:  115″

Career Stats

Scouting Report/Player Notes

Hopkins has by far and away run off with Clemson’s top receiver spot after Sammy Watkins had a stellar freshman season just a year ago. Watkins has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies while Hopkins has stolen the spotlight at Clemson in 2012. Through the team’s first seven games, he leads the Tigers with 52 receptions for 845 yards and nine touchdowns. Though not as tall as ideal, Hopkins does a good job of snatching the ball out of the air and making the play at its highest point. Big play threat with good speed and I love his elusiveness after the catch. He is averaging over 16 yards per reception so far this season, proving that he is a consistent downfield threat.

Career Highlights (via Clemson athletics site)

Talented wideout who had outstanding hands and ball skills … had 206 receptions for 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns, 12 punt returns for 82 yards, and two kickoff returns for 32 yards in 2,059 snaps over 39 games (32 starts) in his career … first in school history in receiving yards, first in receiving touchdowns, first in 100-yard receiving games (12), and second in receptions … became the second player in ACC history to total at least 50 receptions as both a freshman and sophomore … had at least one reception in each of his last 36 games, tied for the school record … only Tiger in history with multiple 100-yard receiving performances in bowl games; he had three; had 32 receptions for 403 yards and three touchdowns in three career bowl games … played basketball for the Tigers after the football season ended in 2010-11; he was a member of Clemson’s NCAA Tournament team, but did not travel to the tourney.

Video Highlights (via YouTube)

Sep 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Believe it or not, the New York Jets are undefeated against the Houston Texans (5-0). I have a slight inkling that will change as of late Monday night. The Texans are one of the best teams in the league right now, and the Jets are 2-2, looking to avoid a rapid downward spiral on their home field.

I’m not going to guarantee a loss for the New York Mess–I mean Jets–but I do think this is the Texans’ game to lose.

Fantasy Studs

RB Arian Foster, Texans

The Jets’ defense has allowed 173 rushing yards per game this season. That is not good news for them, going up against arguably the best tailback in the NFL. Arian Foster should have a big game, especially if the Texans get out to an early lead.

WR Andre Johnson, Texans

The Jets will be without Darrelle Revis, so it will be Antonio Cromartie’s duty to cover old reliable, Andre Johnson. Johnson should be good for close to 100 yards and a touchdown, as the leading receiver in Texans history is going up against a defense that will be without it’s superstar.

Houston Texans D/ST

The Texans have one of the best defenses in the NFL, giving up just 273 yards per game and forcing nine turnovers. The Jets’ offense has been anemic the last three games, and will be without Santonio Holmes, Dustin Keller, and Stephen Hill. Their receiver group is going to be stretched incredible thin, and Houston’s pass rush should be able to get to Sanchez early and often. The Texans also have one of the more electric return men in the NFL, Trindon Holliday.

Underrated Players, Good Starts

QB Matt Schaub, Texans

Schaub isn’t putting up huge numbers, but he’s putting up really consistent numbers as it pertains to fantasy football. If he’s your  top option this week, I think you’re sitting pretty good there.

TE Owen Daniels, Texans

Daniels is a consistent target for the Texans, and he’s second on the team this year with 232 yards and two touchdowns. If the Texans start playing small-ball, they really like to throw to him.

WR Jeremy Kerley, Jets

The one Jets player worth playing tonight, really. Kerley is their only playmaker on the outside, but he’s going up against Jonathan Joseph, one of the toughest corners in the league.

Don’t Rely on Me

RB Shonn Greene, Jets

As an Iowa fans, it pains me to say it. The Jets’ OL is not getting it done, and Greene is unable athletically to make up for their (or his) deficiencies. He is averaging under three yards per carry and less than 50 yards per game. Eek…

RB Ben Tate, Texans

Tate is nursing a toe injury, but he could break out. I wouldn’t rely on him, but if you have to use him, he’s not a bad play since the Texans run the ball so much.

When Will He Play?

QB Tim Tebow, Jets

At what point will Tebow get his shot? When the Jets are 2-3? Down by 21 points? When will Rex pull the trigger and realize it wasn’t Mark Sanchez who led them to the AFC Championship game two years in a row? If and when Tebow is penciled in as the Jets’ starting quarterback, he’s worth picking up.

September 17, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a touchdown pass with coverage by Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Chicago Bears vs. St. Louis Rams

Who would have thought this would be a battle of running backs Daryl Richardson and Michael Bush? Not me. If neither Matt Forte or Steven Jackson plays, it’s a big hit to both offenses, obviously. The Rams are playing pretty good football as of late, but this game is in Chicago.

PICK: CHICAGO BEARS

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns

Both teams are on the rise after their performances last week, and the Browns are still looking for their first win of the season. I think Buffalo’s defense and special teams will be the difference here.

PICK: BUFFALO BILLS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Bucs just don’t inspire enough confidence for me just yet. I still think the Cowboys are a potentially elite team, and they’ll bounce back at home after a big road loss.

PICK: DALLAS COWBOYS

Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans

The Titans look like they could take a while to mesh. I think the Lions bounce back after a tough loss to the 49ers last weekend.

PICK: DETROIT LIONS

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts

Both teams are going to be picking in the top 15 in next year’s draft, likely, but I think the Colts match last season’s win total this week against the Jags.

PICK: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

I don’t know what to make of this game. Both teams have had dominant performances, and both teams have gotten crushed. Call it a tie?

PICK: NEW YORK JETS

San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Niners are dominating everyone they play. The Vikes will be pumped up, but definitely overmatched.

PICK: SAN FRANCICSO 49ERS

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints

Both teams are 0-2. That’s pretty crazy in itself. I think New Orleans gets off the schnide this week.

PICK: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Redskins

This is another tough game to pick. I really like RG3, but that Skins defense is going to have a tough road ahead without Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker.

PICK: CINCINNATI BENGALS

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals

Who would have thought after the first two weeks that both these teams would be 2-0? Not me.

PICK: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Atlanta Falcons vs. San Diego Chargers

This is close to being the game of the week. Atlanta is hard to stop right now, especially if their defense plays like it did against Denver.

PICK: ATLANTA FALCONS

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are simply too banged up at this point. I don’t think they have a shot here, but just when you start to think that about the Raiders, they go ahead and shock you.

PICK: PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Houston Texans vs. Denver Broncos

THe Texans are just rolling through their first couple of games, and Denver’s had some up-and-down performances. I think that home field advantage is going to play in today.

PICK: DENVER BRONCOS

New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens

This is a tough, tough game to pick. The Ravens are nearly unbeatable at home, but how do you pick against Tom Brady? I don’t do things like that.

PICK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks

This is going to be a tough matchup for the Seahawks, but something gets into them when they play at home. I still like Rodgers and the crew.

PICK: GREEN BAY PACKERS

Aug 3, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Whitney Mercilus (59) in action during training camp at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Last year, the Carolina Panthers boasted the offensive rookie of the year in quarterback Cam Newton. It’s early, but this year they may repeat with a rookie of the year in linebacker Luke Kuechly. In under a quarter of play, Kuechly finished with four tackles and a forced fumble, and was making plays all over the field.

Like I said, it’s still really early, but it was quite an opener for the former Boston College star. Kuechly’s performance came in a losing effort, but it’s clear that the Panthers are going to find a way, some way to get him on the field at all times.

On the other sideline, one thing we said we’d be looking for tonight was to see how the Texans’ young pass rushers fared, and they did not disappoint. Houston had seven sacks to finish the game, and first round pick Whitney Mercilus made an impact with three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a tackle for loss to round out his night. Not a bad opener for the rookie.

Brooks Reed, who will be essentially replacing the no. 2 pass rusher role left by Connor Barwin who is taking over for Mario Williams had a sack on Cam Newton where he came into the backfield pretty much untouched. Another player I like, former undrafted linebacker Bryan Braman also had a sack for the Texans. This is a good looking young group of pass rushers.

January 1, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) lines up for a play against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Another night, another couple of pre-season matchups for the die-hard fans who love watching the roster bubble battles. One of tonight’s matchups includes the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, a couple of very intriguing teams that would make for quite a regular season matchup. Fortunately for both of these teams, the quarterback situation is figured out but both teams have question marks at the receiver position.

The Texans are struggling to establish their number two receiver, and the Panthers are really in almost an identical situation. Houston features Andre Johnson, one of the best to ever play his position, and the Panthers feature Steve Smith who had a breakout revival last year when Cam Newton became the quarterback.

Both offenses are high-octane rushing attacks that have the potential for multiple thousand yard backs, but with the run setting up the pass, they need to have stronger second receivers. This will be the biggest battle I’m looking forward to watching tonight, as well as a couple of first round picks at the linebacker position.

1. Who is Number Two?

For right now, the Texans are rolling with Kevin Walter as the number two receiver to Andre Johnson. Walter is not a dynamic player but he’s always been pretty solid. There are some intriguing names on the roster, including two 2012 draft picks. Keshawn Martin has had a strong camp, and is currently listed as Andre Johnson’s backup as the top receiver on the team. He will likely be working the slot and helping the team out as a return specialist, but perhaps he can establish himself as the team’s second receiver before too long. DeVier Posey is going to need a big pre-season to climb up the depth chart, but he is a very talented player who dropped in the draft due to character concerns. He would have been a second round pick if he’d come out after his junior season.

I think the Panthers overall have better depth at the receiver position, and a guy who could really breakout this year is Brandon LaFell, who has the second spot locked up coming out of camp. LaFell has been slowly coming along after having pretty high expectations coming out of LSU, but he seems primed for a breakout year after catching 36 passes for 613 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.

Behind him is where the real competition starts, and I love the acquisition for the Panthers of Louis Murphy from the Raiders. Murphy was not healthy often last year, but when he plays, he is a big play threat and a tough receiver who has good hands. He was a huge steal for Oakland in the draft a couple of years back, and getting rid of him was short-sighted in my opinion, even with their depth at receiver. I love that pickup for the Panthers, and I hope we get a chance to see him make some plays tonight.

Rounding out the group is this year’s top pick at the position, Joe Adams, the speedster out of Arkansas, Kealoha Pilares, a tough receiver who is capable of making an impact, and big receiver David Gettis, giving the Panthers a solid six man rotation. This year’s pre-season is going to be huge for Armanti Edwards. The former star QB at Appalachian State looked like he could be the next Josh Cribbs coming out, but he has not developed. He is now a long shot to make Carolina’s roster and could be auditioning his talents for other teams.

2. Top Picks at LB

Carolina made a bold move on draft day, taking one of the most prolific tacklers in NCAA history in Luke Kuechly, who is slated to start for the team at WLB sooner rather than later. Right now, he’s running with the second team behind Thomas Davis at that position, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see one of Carolina’s current starting LBs moved before the regular season starts to make room for Kuechly. They could be tough to get rid of since they all have pretty high contract numbers, but you never know these days. I am very intrigued to see how the Panthers incorporate all four linebackers into their defensive sets, seeing that all of James Anderson, Jon Beason, and Thomas Davis were given big contract extensions in the last couple of years. Kuechly will certainly make an impact being a top ten pick, but how exactly?

Similarly, the Houston Texans appear to be loaded defensively and when they drafted Whitney Mercilus, I was surprised but I wasn’t. Houston is breaking in an almost all new linebacker group this year with Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans no longer present, and the current four starters in Wade Phillips’ scheme are Bradie James and Brian Cushing on the inside, and Connor Barwin along with Brooks Reed on the outside.

Williams’ departure leaves the Texans without an elite level pass rusher, but Connor Barwin replaced Williams admirably last year with 11.5 sacks to lead the team. He is a star in the making. Ryans leaves the team as the Texans’ all-time leading tackler, but Bradie James is a veteran who will replace him well enough. Brooks Reed on the outside finished with six sacks a year ago, and the Texans also nailed last year’s first round selection, defensive end J.J. Watt.

Mercilus has a lot of work to do just to get on the field, but he is big enough to come in as a pass rusher on third downs and play with his hand in the dirt as well as standing up from the inside or outside. Similar to my excitement of seeing how Carolina uses Luke Kuechly, I am excited to see how Houston uses Mercilus, last year’s sack leader in college football.

August 13, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Lestar Jean (18) during training camp practice at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Two seasons ago, the Houston Texans had a huge vacancy at the running back position, but there was some guy named Arian Foster who looked like he would emerge from the group and make an impact. As the offseason wore on and second round pick Ben Tate got injured, the door opened for Foster to erupt and he flew through it and never looked back.

Now, the time has come again for the next man to step up for the Houston Texans, who have a huge vacancy at the number two receiver position and really have for a while.

That player could definitely be second year player and another former undrafted free agent, Florida Atlantic product Lestar Jean. He was a pretty productive college receiver who is a fairly average athlete with good size and solid speed. What he gives the Texans is another potential playmaker on the other side of Andre Johnson, but his development is uncertain at this point.

In August of 2011, Jean was placed on injured reserve with the Texans after going undrafted, but there are some who have high hopes. Adam Schefter recently said he or rookie DeVier Posey could break out this season, and I have to agree. It’s time–despite all the injuries in Houston–for another receiver to establish himself as the second big time playmaker on the team.

It’s certainly a lot to expect from a former undrafted player, but Jean has the skill and the open window to make it happen and become a star.

May 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) participates in the organized team activities at Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

1st round, Whitney Mercilus, OLB Illinois

After months of speculation that the Texans would take the best available wide receiver in the first round, the Texans surprised most by selecting the athletic DL out of Illinois. The Texans are looking to replace the threat that Mario Williams was off the edge with a collection of players. I was not the biggest fan of Mercilus as a 34 OLB, and preferred him more as a 43 defensive end. This was an okay, but not great pick for me. B-

3rd Round-DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

Here is a situation where I was on the opposite end of the spectrum of most draftniks. I actually like Posey as a player though I must admit that third round was probably still a little bit high. Posey has good size and speed, he could develop into a nice weapon opposite Andre Johnson with some refinement. Though he has apparently not stood out as of yet at Texans team activities according to profootballweekly.com B-

3rd round Brandon Brooks, G, Miami of Ohio

There is some question about whether or not Brooks fits the Texans offensive system, but I think that has been over-blown. Brooks is a big mauling guard who was a fringe top 100 player. Solid pick. B

Ben Jones, C, Georgia

Jones is a limited athlete who is a good player. This is really good value for Jones who I would have been comfortable taking a full round earlier. I was not in love with what the Texans did early in the draft, but liked this pick. A-

4th Round-Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan State

I had heard leading up to the draft to watch out for Keshawn Martin who could go much higher than anticipated. Martin is a dangerous man every time he touches the ball, but he has a lot of work to do at Michigan State he ran a lot of swing passes and short passes that got him the ball in space and let him make plays, but that is harder to do at the N.F.L. level and he could struggle initially like Dexter McCluster has at times. B/B-

4th round-Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska

The word steal is thrown around way to much but it is definitely fitting at this juncture. If not for a season ending Pectoral injury Crick could have gone in the early part of the second round. I think he provides immediate depth for the Texans at DE and should eventually start. Good pick at a position of good value. A

5th Round-Randy Bullock, K, Texas A and M

A big powerful leg and good accuracy is what the Texans scooped up here in the fifth round. This was an exceptional special teams class and the Texans got a good kicker here. I’m not one who thinks drafting a kicker is a waste of time-provided he is good. Kickers can last on your team 15 years and few other draft picks (if any) from this class will be around that long. B

6th round-Nick Mondek, OL, Purdue

It is clear the Texans felt they needed to bolster their offensive line as they take a third offensive linemen to round out their draft. I think they should have considered taking a different approach here, but I’m not one to knock late round picks. B/B-

Overall-

Loved what the Texans did in 2011 draft, but I was not a big fan of the 2012 NFL draft. I’m not the biggest fan of their first round pick, and I don’t love the picks early in general. B-

Off-season recap

Offseason Moves: