As the NFL draft approaches, the main question for the Texans is not which position to fill, but in what order. There is no surprise that offseason trades have left obvious holes in the Texans’ roster for the 2012 season. Coming off a strong season, however, Houston is a great option for up-and-coming talent and is in a stronger negotiating position than it has been in the past.
Because of the array of opportunities, the Texans would do better to go with the very best player that it can get rather than trying to fill the many needs that it has. Based on the availability of players, and because the offense needs more attention than the defense, it seems as though the obvious choice would be to start with wide receiver and go from there. Andre Johnson is coming off of a tough year filled with some inconsistencies, so there is a need to have an excellent second option just in case Johnson is met with the same fate as in 2011. There are more than enough options for wide receiver for the first round, especially from southern schools whose players could be excellent fits for the Texans who appreciate southern ball more than most teams.
Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright became a Sportscenter highlight junkie in 2011 for his swift feet, but he had some issues running routes in the combines in February. However, he knows how to work with a quality quarterback and so deserves at least a strong consideration by the Texans.
Also worth noting is LSU’s Rueben Randle whose size and power is incomparable. The Texans not only need someone with great hands, but someone who can be an excellent downfield defensive wide receiver. Randle’s blocking ability may not have been able to help the Tigers win the championship, but his skills and talents are in line with what the Texans need in 2012.
The Texans should go with a WR in round one, but the front office bosses have proven in the past that they march to the beat of their own drum. Fans wouldn’t be surprised if the team goes in an entirely different direction come draft time.
