Houston Texans
1st Round, Pick #27: DeAndre Hopkins WR Clemson
Houston has long suffered on offense with only one viable receiving threat in Andre Johnson. He was still able to make an impact, but the offense just couldn't get over the hump. They needed to add another receiving threat and pulled the trigger here. They ended up taking DeAndre Hopkins who is going to complement Johnson well. Hopkins is a good route runner and does most of his work in the short and intermediate routes. He has elite hands and catches everything in site. He'll pay immediate dividends for Matt Schaub.
Pick Grade: A
2nd Round, Pick #57: DJ Swearinger S South Carolina
With Gover Quinn signing with the Lions, the Texans needed a replacement. They found an upgrade with Ed Reed, but as we all know Reed is always a season away from retiring and finding future replacement is a must. Selecting Swearinger was a great selection for the Texans because he fits what they like in their safeties. Because Houston likes to blitz a lot they ask their safeties to match up a lot in man coverage. Swearinger is good in coverage and his instincts are top notch. Swearinger could challenge Daniel Manning at Strong Safety before taking over for Reed when he retires.
Pick Grade: A
3rd Round, Pick #89: Brandon Williams OT North Carolina
The play of RT Derek Newton really made the Texans want to go out and bring in some competition Here in the third round they found a perfect fit for their zone blocking scheme. Brandon Williams skill set is exactly what the Texans want in their run game. He has good athletic ability and is powerful run blocker. He'll give Newton a run for his money and don't be surprised if Williams will be starting.
Pick Grade: A+
3rd Round, Pick #95: Sam Montgomery DE LSU
Montgomery was once considered a first round talent, so to get him in the end of the third round is quite the steal. Montgomery is a stout run defender and has raw pass rushing talent. He'll look to win the spot opposite of Brooks Reed against Whitney Mercilus. Worst case situation is that since he's good in the run game he could see work on early downs before giving room for Mercilus in passing situations. Not too bad with the 95th pick.
Pick Grade: A
4th Round, Pick #124: Trevardo Williams OLB UConn
After taking Montgomery the pick their previous pick the Texans continue to add more depth to the rush linebacker spot. Unlike Montgomery, Williams is pretty limited to being just a pass rusher. But he'll give Houston yet another player who could come in and apply pressure. And as we've seen with them there is always somebody getting hurt.
Pick Grade: B+
6th Round, Pick #176: David Quessenberry OT San Jose State
After a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, Quessenberry was considered a Day 2 pick. So getting him in the sixth round already makes this a good pick. However add in that Quessenberry moves well and can play multiple positions and he's even a better selection. Quessenberry could easily provide depth at guard and could eventually become a starter on the right side.
Pick Grade: A
6th Round, Pick #195: Alan Bonner WR Jacksonville State
In a continual need to add more receivers Houston took a chance on Bonner. Bonner isn't going to provide much of a playmaking threat, but he does run good routes and will be able to work the short to intermediate routes. With Kevin Walter gone the Texans need more bodies and hope that Bonner can develop into a solid possession receiver
Pick Grade: C
6th Round, Pick #198: Christopher Jones DT Bowling Green
I'm not too sure about this pick. First Jones lack of athletic and size doesn't translate well to the NFL. He is short and lacks bulk. He's best skill is his toughness and non stop motor. However I also wonder where is he going to fit in the Texans defense? He isn't a 5 technique and lacks the bulk for the nose tackle spot. He isn't a great pass rusher, so there goes a situational rusher. I just don't get this pick.
Pick Grade: F
6th Round, Pick #201: Ryan Griffin TE UConn
After knocking about every pick out of the park the Texans really failed to finish off the class well. Taking Griffin here is another head scratcher. He has the ability to be a solid possession tight end, but he doesn't offer play making ability nor is he known for being a good inline blocker. If they wanted a good blocking tight end they could have taken Michael Williams. If they wanted another receiving threat they could have taken Joseph Fauria who could have really offered a red zone threat threat the team lacks. Failed pick here.
Pick Grade: F
Overall Grade: A-
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