2013 NFL Mock Draft: Texans to take linebacker in first round?

The Houston Texans enter the 2013 NFL Draft with some clear needs on both sides of the ball, and some draftniks expect them to address the depth at linebacker.

For more on the draft and other Texans news, check out Battle Red Blog

SB Nation's Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn released a joint mock draft on Monday. In it, they project the Texans to select LSU middle linebacker Kevin Minter with the 27th pick:

After losing Brian Cushing for the season, the Texans revealed a lack of depth at the inside linebacker spot. While Cushing will be back to full strength next season, Houston could use another option alongside him. Kevin Minter is the type of thumping linebacker who will become productive in this defense.

Houston could also use a real No. 2 receiver to complement the aging Andre Johnson. There should be plenty of WR options at the end of the first round, including guys like DeAndre Hopkins, Tavon Austin, Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter. This draft may be lacking in top-end talent, but there's plenty of depth in many positions, and the Texans have a lot of options at this spot.