How Did the Houston Texans Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
Houston Texans had the #1 pick after a nightmare 2013 season. For months, people questioned the work ethic of Jadeveon Clowney and it seemed like everyday, a new rumor that the Texans would draft another player surfaced. It was all hype because as originally forecast the Texans chose Jadeveon Clowney. They had nine other players after to draft and had some holes to fill. Some of those needs were OLB, QB, TE, DT and Offensive lineman, mainly the guard and right tackle positions. Adding Ryan Fitzpatrick coupled with Case Keenum leaves a question to be answered at QB.
2014 NFL Draft for the Houston Texans
Jadeveon Clowney Defensive End South Carolina Round 1 Pick #1
Ignoring the hype and the talking heads, The Texans do the smart thing by drafting the best player in the draft. Most likely to switch Clowney to outside linebacker, which will be different than his college days but I have all the faith in the world, the transition will be seamless and will make The Houston Texans fast and really big. Clowney is 6'5 and weighs 266 which makes for an interesting defensive triple header of J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing and newly drafted Louis Nix from Notre Dame at Nose Tackle. I would say this instantly elevates the Texans to one of the hardest teams to run on in the NFL.
Xavier Su'a-Filo Guard UCLA Round 2 Pick #1
Projected to be a first rounder, He slips into the top spot of the 2nd round and should be right at home anchoring the line at Offensive Guard on either the left or right side. Filo has all the tools to be a Texans starter in his rookie year. Missed two years of strength training serving a 2 year mission for the Mormons so will definitely need some attention by the Texans strength coach and a conditioning program to get him strong. Excellent pass blocker and quick off the snap with a weakness identifying defensive stunts which can be coached. Should have a great career with some hard work.
C.J. Fiedorowicz TE IOWA Round 3 Pick #1
6'5" 255 lb Tight End gives him instant impact in the red zone and the seams. Will make up for the loss of Owen Daniel. Texans can continue running their two Tight End sets as Fiedorowicz will work well across from Garrett Graham no matter who is tossing the rock. Won't be able to rely on his natural size and ability any more and will need a strong work ethic to improve his pass blocking. Has great ability using his hips to gain separation and can attack the seam and make catches away from his body.
Louis Nix NT Notre Dame Round 3 Pick #19
A natural 3-4 Nose tackle, Nix fits into the Texans defensive scheme perfectly that they traded up. Works inside as a run stopper with his 6'2" 340 pound body. Has two gap ability and will require a double team allowing Clowney or Cushing an opportunity to stunt blitz effectively. Strong tackler with two arm technique and has the strength and power to collapse the pocket and drive his man into the running back. Can create massive issues in the A and B gap for any running back. Comes from a large family with 13 siblings so opted into this year's draft to support them financially which is a sure fire way to gauge his motivation and the intensity he will bring to the field. Likes to eat as evidenced by his coming in heavy in college but that will be monitored closely by the Texans training staff. Nix is the real deal and an amazing grab in the middle of the third round. I had him projected in the first round as natural Nose Tackles are a rare commodity in the NFL.
Tom Savage QB Pittsburgh Round 4 Pick #35
A two school transfer, Savage climbed higher in the draft as time went by. A typical strong arm pocket passer, Savage, at 6'5" and 230 pounds, is the ideal player to fit into the NFL as a pure "Tom Brady" like Quarterback. Has a shotgun for an arm, throws a receiver friendly ball and has the touch to loft a pass into the corner of the end zone over a defending cornerback. Needs to learn how to look off his receiver and check down. Will have to concentrate on understanding defensive schemes as the two years sitting hurt his experience level. A definite one year sit on the bench should give him the time to figure it out. I believe he is the starting QB in mid 2015.
Jeoffrey Pagan DE Alabama Round 6 Pick #1
Overcoming a severe knee injury in his senior season and shoulder surgery keeping him out of the NFL Combine, so that is a concern. A good tackler with decent size at 6'3" 310 pounds. If he does play it should be on first and second downs to give Clowney or Cushing a breather in long games or drives against the run. More of a low risk low reward player that I am not expecting much from in his career.
Alfred Blue RB LSU Round 6 Pick #5
Another player coming off injury in 2012 to his knee. A 6'2" 225 pound bruising running back. Has excellent down field vision and speed for his size. Makes defenders pay by breaking poor technique tackles and using a vicious stiff arm. Not much wear and tear in college so he is relatively fresh except for the knee. Suspect maturity level and needs to develop a killer attitude when hitting the hole.
Jay Prosch FB Auburn Round 6 Pick #35
Extremely strong, benches over 450 lbs, squats almost 600 lbs. Stands 6'1" and 260 pounds, a tank. Perfect as a blocking back to lead the way and a perfect goal line back. Has good hands and can catch passes in the flat. This guy is the epitome of old school, ground and pound football. Tough mentally and physically and a likable guy that is respected by teammates and will bring leadership to the rookie class. Reminds me of #44 Tom Rathman from the 49ers, a bull. Low risk/high reward pick.
Andre Hal CB Vanderbilt Round 7 Pick #1
Team Captain who also lettered in Track and basketball. Small size hurts his ability but has excellent man-cover skills. Tendency to grab the receiver when beat and will be outmatched by a taller more aggressive receiver. Not sure even if he makes the 45 man roster on Sundays as a defensive back. Low risk/Low reward. Potential ability as a kick returner. Just don't see him in the NFL.
Lonnie Ballentine Free Safety Memphis Round 7 Pick #41
Last player selected in the draft, but he might be an overlooked player. Young guy with really good size. 6'3" 220 pounds that ran a sub 4.4 40 yard dash. Has the exact body and speed that can make a good player great with proper coaching. I don't see him playing Safety because of his weak tackling but I do see him being switched to CB and he will be a huge obstacle playing bump and run man to man. Has great straight line speed which will let him keep up with any receiver and his height, jumping ability and his infectious emotion will be an asset on the field. With proper coaching on transitioning in coverage, this guy could be the steal of the entire draft.
Overall Draft Analysis
Texans started with the first pick of the 2014 NL Draft and they didn't make many mistakes. They got three top players that will start immediately for them. They got bigger, faster and stronger on defense and anchored their offensive interior. They got a QB that could be a future franchise QB in the 4thround. A TE so they continue with the two TE set and an instant red zone threat. They selected two players that had injuries that knocked them down the projection list and could be diamonds if they stay healthy and they got themselves a tank for a FB. They drafted a CB who is more than likely gonna be used to return kickoffs and they took the last player in the draft, "Mr. Irrelevant" who just might be a very relevant player if coached properly.
Draft Grade--A
First year coach, Bill O'Brien and GM Rick Smith get an "A." They get the "A" grade cause they didn't let any talking heads talk them out of their game plan and took Clowney like they should have without a doubt. Followed up with some solid drafting and definitely giving O'Brien the tools to start off strong. They had a good draft board set up and they stuck to it.
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