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2011 NFL Mock Draft: Aldon Smith Continues To Be Linked To The Texans

There seems to be a consensus among Mock Drafters as to which side of the ball the Texans need to improve on through the upcoming NFL Draft. We just don't know which area of the defense is the most important one to upgrade. SB Nation just came out with their latest mock, and they have the Texans taking Aldon Smith, a defensive end from Missouri who should transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker once he turns pro.

Wade Phillips' 3-4 under calls for excellent front seven personnel, and in switching from the 4-3, the Texans have a lot of question marks in that area. Smith may not provide an answer immediately, but he's a phenomenal athlete that should transition well to outside linebacker.

The Texans already have a player who should be able to make an impact at 3-4 outside linebacker in Brian Cushing, but Smith should provide a pretty talented bookend in a few years. He's pretty raw, but if he ever reaches his potential, he has the athleticism to be a real difference maker for the Texans. He is a bit of a project, so I'm not sure the Texans will be interested. but if they decide that they can afford to wait for Smith to develop, he could turn out to be one of the more valuable players from this class.

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