The 2020 NFL Draft is finally on our doorsteps as we welcome back some resemblance of live sports to our screens. The Houston Texans won’t make themselves available to inevitable criticism until day two, but with a draft as deep as this years appears to be there will still be abundant quality available once coach and general manager Bill O’Brien is on the clock.
Keeping this in mind, it is time to look at three potential predictions for the long-awaited first draft of the newly crowned general manager of the Texans.
1. The Texans will trade down
Houston’s first selection lies at 40 thanks to their early offseason trade of DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. While this would have been a good spot to draft a future replacement for the All-Pro, the trade for Brandin Cooks has rendered this unnecessary for the time being, and given their lack of picks this year expect O’Brien to look to trade down the board for extra selections. What may be worth keeping in mind is that given the Texans are currently short on selections in the 2021 draft. Also, with O’Brien pointing out in his recent press conference that this will be a year for veterans given their shorter preseason than usual, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Texans trade both down and out of the 2020 draft in order to focus their attention veteran free agents this season.
2. The Texans will draft almost exclusively on defense
Houston’s primary needs are well documented and agreed upon at this point. They need pass-rushing depth if Anthony Weaver’s defense is to take a step up from a somewhat disappointing 2019 season. Especially after the departure of defensive tackle D.J. Reader, expect Houston to use at least one selection on a potential replacement. Long term Texans cornerback Jonathan Joseph is finally on the search for pastures new, and with the team’s already uncertain depth at the position, they would be wise to draft depth at cornerback, as well as look for a long term option opposite Justin Reid at safety. Throw in a defensive end for depth and an outside linebacker to add a pass-rushing presence, and the Texans could well use at least five of their seven selections on defensive additions.
3. Houston will draft a running back before Round 4
The Texans may have an inexplicably expensive backfield with David and Duke Johnson both on the roster, but ultimately they need a third option and they need youth. Buddy Howell is a good special teams player but not somebody that the team uses often on offense. In 2019 O’Brien made good use of the third choice back and special teamer Taiwan Jones. With Jones now back in Buffalo, his void needs to be filled.
They will likely be looking for a special teams ace with a hard downhill running style similar to that of Carlos Hyde who fit so well into their offense last season. The reason being that while David Johnson fits that rushing style best his injury history is patchy at best, thus a replacement is advisable. There are plenty of options throughout the board this year, but they will be looking early on, likely within the top 100. Keep an eye on J.K. Dobbins, A.J. Dillon, and Cam Akers.
