Earlier this week, SB Nation released its final pre-combine mock. The Texans wind up with North Carolina DE/OLB Robert Quinn this time:
11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina. Houston is becoming a fairly easy projection: in any scenario, find the best front seven defender for a 3-4 defense, and make that the Texans’ pick. Here, it’s Quinn, who has the pass rushing acumen and natural athleticism to play outside linebacker in the scheme.
Quinn is one of those prospects that seem underrated by the Mockers right now, considering the amount of support he has from analysts like Mike Mayock and Doug Farrar. I would be extremely surprised to see him sitting at No. 11, and next to the possibility of Von Miller tumbling, it’s probably one of the best defensive scenarios that Texans fans should be dreaming about. Quinn does have some off-the-field character questions, after being suspended last year for taking gifts, but he’s got Aldon Smith’s athleticism and a much more well-refined game.
Which, as usual, means the Texans would pass on him if he were available.