Houston Texans NFL Draft Grades: Gettting Osweiler Weapons

A. <p>The Texans drafted two Norte Dame teammates back to back.  Center Nick Martin will fill a huge hole left by the departure of Ben Jones this offseason.  Houston signed C Tony Bergstrom from Oakland during free agency, but Martin will provide competition for the position and can start immediately if the Texans need him to.</p> <p>Martin also has experience at the guard position.  The Texans replaced guard Brandon Brooks with Jeff Allen in the offseason, but Martin’s ability to play multiple positions on the line surely intrigued the front office.</p> <p>A physical, aggressive player, Martin is exceptional in protection.  He has great awareness, picking up blocks and helping to create holes for the run game. His size at 6’4, 299lbs is ideal for the position, and aside from a knee injury in 2013, Martin has been a durable addition to the line at Notre Dame.</p> <p>Houston finally invested in a quarterback this offseason, and are looking to protect the hefty investment they made in Osweiler.  The signing of Lamar Miller will improve their run attack as well.  Both of these additions make the need for a tough and dependable offensive line more important than ever.</p>. C. Notre Dame Fightin Irish. NICK MARTIN