2020 NFL Draft: Possible trade-up targets for Houston Texans

Marlon Davidson, IDL, Auburn

We talked about the Texans’ need to improve their pass rusher earlier and while they could certainly address that need with an edge rusher, getting pressure from the interior is also important.

There are a handful of interior pass rushers who the Texans could consider taking at No. 40. Neville Gallimore, Justin Madubuike and Ross Blacklock all stand out as potential picks. However, if they decide to pass on the position at No. 40, Marlon Davidson should quickly be on their radar.

Davidson was listed as an edge rusher in college, but he played on the inside as well. He is a big and powerful man who shows a wicked-fast first step and incredibly strong hands at the point of attack. Davidson gets off of the ball quickly and consistently gets impressive upfield burst. He never had huge sack totals in college, but Davidson did create pressure and should improve with a full-time move inside.

Similarly to the other two players we discussed, Davidson is a fringe second-round 2020 NFL Draft prospect. If he falls into the third-round range, the Houston Texans must consider getting aggressive and bringing him into their defensive line mix.

In the end, I highly doubt that the Texans will have enough capital to make any sort of trade up into the first round. That being said, if any of Uche, Hunt and Davidson are on the board in the third round, a trade-up scenario could make some sense.