2013 NFL Draft team needs: Houston Texans
The Texans need some youth to help take the next step.
Bob Levey
The Houston Texans made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons to become the class of the AFC South. Houston still needs to make roster improvements if they hope to make it past the divisional round of the playoffs. General manager Rick Smith and head coach Gary Kubiak have been together for seven seasons and have had success building through the draft.
Houston's one big splash in free agency was the signing of Ed Reed. Reed should provide defensive leadership and help soften the blow of losing key players. Houston was unable to hold onto safety Glover Quin or linebacker Connor Barwin, their top two free agents. Without much cap room, they are relying on the draft to fill the holes on their roster.
Top three needs
Wide receiver - Andre Johnson continues to be great, but there is no one to line up on the opposite side. The remaining receivers on the Texans roster have a combined 22 career receptions and two starts.
Inside linebacker - Here's another position with one star on the roster and nothing behind him. Brian Cushing tore his ACL in October but should be back for the regular season. However, with Barwin now an Eagle, the Texans will need someone next to Cushing in their 3-4 defense.
Nose tackle - The Texans need to add a 3-tech defensive tackle who can penetrate the offensive line. The typical space-eating nose tackle doesn’t fit as well into their system.
Ideal pick: Best receiver available.
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