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Houston Texans 7-round mock draft: Protecting DeShaun Watson

By Dillon Appleman

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 10: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard #60 of the Washington State Cougars battles defensive end Jabril Frazier #8 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action on September 10, 2016 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 31-28. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 10: Offensive lineman Andre Dillard #60 of the Washington State Cougars battles defensive end Jabril Frazier #8 of the Boise State Broncos during second half action on September 10, 2016 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 31-28. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 01: Jordan Thompson #99 of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts after a sack against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 01: Jordan Thompson #99 of the Northwestern Wildcats reacts after a sack against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 01, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Round 7/220: Jordan Thompson, DT, Northwestern

While the Texans pass rush is the most notable part of their defense, their strength may just be their ability to stop the run.

The team ranked third in the NFL in 2018 in rush defense (82.7 ypg) and were first in opponents per carry average as they allowed just 3.4 yards per rush.

That being said, Houston could stand to add some depth in the trenches to help out that unit going into 2019.

Somebody that would fit that rotational role as a NT in Wade Phillips defense is Northwestern’s Jordan Thompson.

Thompson graded out with a 91.0 in run-defense, according to PFF, which is the 8th highest mark among interior defensive lineman in the 2019 draft.

dark. Next. More 2019 mock drafts

While his skill in the ground game is where he will make his money, he also showed an ability to get up-field at times as well. He finished the 2018 season with 6 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks, including one against Dwayne Haskins in the Big 10 Championship game.

Thompson would be a solid way to close out the Houston Texans 2019 NFL draft.

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