2019 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Defenders dominate throughout

Houston is in best player available mode, obviously outside of the quarterback position. There are a lot of solid pieces on this Texans team, but they need more talent on both sides of the ball. I think the weapons are decent for Deshaun Watson with DeAndre Hopkins, Lamar Miller, and Will Fuller. Hopefully, Jordan Atkins can emerge at the tight end position and Keke Coutee will continue to develop at wide receiver.

Five of the Texans starters on defense are free agents after this season, including former number one pick Jadeveon Clowney. The former South Carolina pass rusher has played all over the defense and has most recently been at linebacker for Bill O’Brien’s team. Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney are quality young linebackers to build around.

J.J. Watt, however, will turn 30 next season and while he remains productive with five sacks through four games, health hasn’t been on his side. He’s played 12 games in the last three years combined after starting every game over five straight seasons. It’s time for the Texans to add another pass rusher and think about life without Watt, God forbid he suffers another injury.

Rashan Gary was one of the names coming up constantly before the college season started and he’s picked up two sacks and 18 tackles for the Wolverines this year. He’s a perfect fit in Houston’s 3-4 defense, assuming they stick with that scheme and those coaches beyond this year.