As everyone knows, the 2015 NFL Draft has come to a close, and Last Word On Sports continues its series on the 2015 NFL Draft here. Today, the Houston Texans are under the microscope.
First Round, 16th Overall – CB Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest)
Second Round, 43rd Overall – LB Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi State)
Third Round, 70th Overall – WR Jaelen Strong (Arizona State)
Fifth Round, 175th Overall (Compensatory Pick) – WR Keith Mumphery (Michigan State)
Sixth Round, 211st Overall (Compensatory Pick) – LB Reshard Cliett (South Florida)
Sixth Round, 216th Overall (Compensatory Pick) – DT Christian Covington (Rice)
Seventh Round, 235th Overall – RB Kenny Hilliard (LSU)
Houston Texans 2015 NFL Draft Review
Best Player: Kevin Johnson
Cornerback Kevin Johnson was the second corner selected in the 2015 draft after Trae Waynes (Minnesota Vikings). Both have similar size, but Johnson uses his physicality more often due to a lack of elite speed (4.52). Johnson also has great instincts to alter receiver routes and jump into throwing lanes. A major concern is his lack of support in run stopping, but many corners struggle in this area of the game. As long as he brings his coverage skills and football acumen to the field every Sunday, Johnson will be a fixture in the Houston secondary for years to come.
The Head-Scratcher: Keith Mumphery
Wide receiver Keith Mumphery was an interesting selection to say the least, as he lacks the size (6’0”), speed (4.54), athleticism and overall football skills to become a player deserving of a roster spot in the NFL. Receiver was a big need for the Texans, but I would be surprised if Mumphery breaks camp with the team, even with his experience as a special teamer.
The Surprise Pick: Jaelen Strong
The Texans cut Andre Johnson, but Jaelen Strong will be a worthy replacement. While I am not calling Strong a this-for-that replacement of Johnson career-wise, I do think that Strong can fill in for the production Johnson recently provided in the latter part of his career. Good arm length, size (6’2”, 217) and pro-ready route running and ball skills made him a near lock for a second round selection with potential to be a late first-round pick. Somehow, he surprisingly slipped into the third round, so the Texans got a steal here.
The Steal: Benardrick McKinney
Jaelen Strong fits the profile here, but I think linebacker Benardrick McKinney was the steal of the Texan draft class. He is a large tackling machine who attacks the run like few other inside linebackers in the 2015 Draft and he will be one of the best run stoppers in the NFL the moment he steps on the field. Even though Houston needed to trade up to acquire McKinney, his addition combined with first-round pick Kevin Johnson and their existing personnel makes the Texans defense one to watch this year.
Most Likely to Turn Heads at Training Camp: Christian Covington
Defensive tackle Christian Covington had a chance to return to Rice University for his Senior season and possibly work himself into a second or third round player in the 2016 NFL Draft, but following a knee injury, he decided to declare for the 2015 Draft. As a result, Houston may have found a decent value in the local product. Covington is an undersized player for his position, but what he lacks in size he makes up with strength, speed and agility. Covington will not be a Week 1 starter, but he has a shot to be a rotational player if the knee injury does not linger, which would be a great outcome for any sixth round selection.
The Rest
Reshard Cliett can become a decent third down coverage linebacker, as he possesses great speed and agility. Kenny Hilliard is a plodding back who can provide a body on the depth chart, but I would not expect him to beat out Jonathan Grimes or Chris Polk as the third running back on the Houston roster.
Bottom Line
There is not much to like past the top three picks here, but I think Houston aced the first three rounds with their trio of Johnson, McKinney and Strong. They added physicality to their defense in two areas of need (corner and inside linebacker) and found a replacement for recently-departed Andre Johnson at receiver. The lack of third-day talent keeps their grade in check, but Houston fans should be very happy with the players acquired on days one and two.
Overall Grade: 8/10
Check out our other draft reviews here.
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