HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have selected Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins with the 27th overall pick in the NFL draft.
Receiver was the biggest need for the Texans who have long lacked a top-tier receiver to play opposite star Andre Johnson, who turns 32 this summer.
It's just the second time Houston has drafted a receiver in the first round and the first time since Johnson was chosen third overall in 2003.
Last year, they drafted receivers DeVier Posey in the third round and Keshawn Martin in the fourth round. Posey contributed on offense, but tore his Achilles tendon in their playoff loss and is likely to miss a lot of time this season, and Martin worked mostly on special teams.
Veteran Kevin Walter was cut after the season.
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