2013 Houston Texans Draft Review

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 during a press conference at at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans had a total of nine picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. They did a nice job of splitting the selections between offense and defense, making five offensive selections and four on defense. The Texans drafted purely on need with two wide receivers, two offensive linemen, a safety, three defensive linemen (could play outside linebacker), and a tight end. All of the holes that the Texans had, have been filled with fresh, young players from the draft.

Round 1, Pick 27 – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – Hopkins was the most NFL ready wide receiver in the draft this year. At 6’1, 214 lbs., DeAndre Hopkins already has the size to give NFL defensive backs all they can handle. Hopkins already runs good routes and can learn some new tips and tricks to perfect his routes better. He is a tough kid that isn’t afraid to go over the middle and make the catch in traffic. He is also a very good run blocker and is willing to do so. Hopkins needs to become more consistent in catching easy passes and run blocking for the Texans.

DeAndre Hopkins Grade – A-

Round 2, Pick 57 – D.J. Swearinger, SS, South Carolina – Swearinger was a four year starter at South Carolina and was also a team captain his senior year. This kid has leadership abilities and the physical tools to back them up. He is one of the hardest hitting safeties in the draft. He doesn’t shy away from contact and will take on lead blockers. He is an in-the-box player that can really help fill in open holes, but his high motor also allows him to chase down plays from the back side. He can line up against receivers and cover them man to man as well. Swearinger fights for every ball and comes away with the easy interceptions on poor throws. His aggresive play may get flagged in the NFL for pass interference and late hits. He doesn’t have the range to play as a single high safety and take away the deep routes.

D.J. Swearinger Grade – B+

Round 3, Pick 89 – Brennen Williams, OT, UNC – Williams is a very atheletic, lengthy tackle that performs best when run blocking. He is very powerful off the line and can get to the second level. He stays with his run blocks till the end of the whistle, sometimes forcing his man to the ground. He shows quick feet and a good first punch to knock defenders off of their route. Williams uses his length to keep defenders from beating him to the quarterback. He doesn’t possess enough quickness to play left tackle. Brennen Williams is sometimes slow off the ball and quciker NFL edge rushers will be able to beat him. He stops his feet after engaging in pass protection, which will allow bigger ends to bully him around.

Brennen Williams Grade – B-

Round 3, Pick 95 – Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU – Montgomery is a quick player that can get some bend to rush the quarterback. He holds his ground in the run game and will take on blocks with his aggresive type play. He can play through blocks and has the motor to chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. There are questions about Montgomery’s work ethic and his love for football. He often times is caught going on the tackles movement instead of the ball, which makes him late on the play. Once he is blocked, he doesn’t have another move to get off of it. He doesn’t completely control himself, allowing tackles to push him around the pocket.

Sam Montgomery Grade – C+

Round 4, Pick 124 – Trevardo Williams, DE/OLB, Connecticut – Williams uses good hands to attack linemen trying to block him in the run game. He also uses quickness and good timing to jump the snap and get a quick jump for his pass rush. He gets his hands up when he doesn’t reach the quarterback to interrupt throwing lanes and deflect balls. He has more moves than one for when he is initially stopped. He can line up on either side and bring a pop when he hits the quarterback. Williams is a very solid tackler. He is not expercienced in the pass game and will have trouble picking up tight ends and running backs out of the back field. He is small, so tackles and tight ends can throw him around once they get their initial block on him. He often doesn’t go to a second move once his first one has failed.

Trevardo Williams Grade – B-

Round 6, Pick 176 – David Quessenberry, OT, San Jose State – Quessenberry plays with good leverage and is a natural pass protector. He has a quick step off the line and can demonstrate some power. He can drive defenders back in short yardage situations, winning the battle with his leverage. He also will hustle to the second level and hit his target. He goes downfield and finishs plays. Quessenberry can play either guard or tackle. He isn’t strong enough to stop powerful ends from bull rushing him. He also leans while gaining leverage, which allows ends to get him off balance and take advantage.

David Quessenberry Grade – B

Round 6, Pick 195 – Alan Bonner, WR, Jacksonville State – Bonner kept his production going as he played better each season with Jacksonville State. He can help on kick and punt return. He is a small receiver that ran a 4.59 forty. He needs to get a little stronger and improve on his time before making an impact.

Alan Bonner Grade – C

Round 6, Pick 198 – Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green – Jones is a high motor player that will use quick feet to hit the gap. He has a spin move that he utilizes to get to the quarterback on pass plays. He is a shorter player for a defensive tackle and could be easily blocked if he loses his leverage.

Chris Jones Grade – C

Round 6, Pick 201 – Ryan Griffen, TE, Connecticut – At 6’6, 247 lbs., Ryan Griffen has NFL size. He had good production at Connecticut. He must work on run blocking and his routes. He also needs to add more muscle in the NFL.

Ryan Griffen Grade – C-

Texans Overall Draft Grade – B-

Justin Bales
@DraftTerritory