1 (27) - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; 2 (57) - D.J. Swearinger, S, South Carolina; 3 (89) - Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina; 3 (95) - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; 4 (124) - Trevardo Williams, DE, UConn; 6 (176) - David Quessenberry, OT, San Jose State; 6 (195) - Alan Bonner, WR, Jacksonville State; 6 (198) - Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green; 6 (201) - Ryan Griffin, TE, UConn
Top Picks Analysis: Even before general manager Rick Smith released veteran receiver Kevin Walter, the Texans badly needed a complement to Andre Johnson and Hopkins could be that guy, a vertical threat who can help clear things out for Johnson, who has lost a step in recent seasons. Swearinger is an aggressive player who figures to intern on special teams before eventually taking over for the aging but still productive Ed Reed. Williams is a very long right tackle who could compete with Ryan Harris for a starting job, and Montgomery is a very talented defensive end who needs to make football a bigger priority in his life.
Best Value Pick: Quessenberry isn't a great athlete but he understands leverage and blocking angles. Perhaps more importantly, he's got position versatility which will help him stick around and develop.
Questionable Calls: Trevardo Williams is a high-effort player but at just 6- foot-1 and 245 pounds, he's going to have a tough time finding a position in the NFL if he can't drop in pass coverage.
Summary: A solid A-B-C draft for the Texans, snaring the receiver opposite Johnson, getting a "safety" net for the aging Reed, and bringing in a solid tackle prospect to team with Duane Brown. They then carpet-bombed in an effort to replace Connor Barwin at rush linebacker by bringing in Montgomery and Williams. Hopefully one hits.
FINAL GRADE: B
Undrafted rookie free agent signings: Michigan State CB Johnny Adams; Ohio State FB Zach Boren; Central Florida CB A.J. Bouye; Georgia WR Marlon Brown; SMU G Bryan Collins; Ohio WR Andy Cruse; SMU ILB Ja'Gared Davis; Illinois State ILB Evan Frierson; Pittsburgh RB Ray Graham; Ohio State CB Travis Howard; Arkansas RB Dennis Johnson; Ohio State S Orhian Johnson; Kansas State QB Collin Klein; Louisville G Alex Kupper; Syracuse WR Alec Lemon; Texas A&M WR Ozoma Nwachukwu; Florida DE Earl Okine; Western Michigan T Dann O'Neill; Illinois C Graham Pocic; Fresno State P Andre Shapiro; Connecticut WR Michael Smith; USC S Jawanza Starling; Kansas State LB Justin Tuggle; Cincinnati RB George Winn; Notre Dame RB Cierre Wood
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