SB Nation has thrown it’s post-combine mock draft up, and it encompasses a scenario that nobody wants to admit is possible: the mock without two quarterbacks in the top ten. When this scenario happens, nine of the top ten players are the nine targets the Texans should probably have for their eleventh overall pick: Patrick Peterson, Marcell Dareus, Nick Fairley, Von Miller, AJ Green, Julio Jones, Da’Quan Bowers, Prince Amukamara, and Robert Quinn. Going by best player available, the Texans are forced to snag Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
11. Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin. Unless a cornerback is miraculously available here, expect the Texans to add a front seven defender – ideally a lineman – for Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense. Watt is quietly garnering Top 15 consideration as a five-technique end, and fits Houston’s need perfectly.
It’s nothing against Watt, who very well could contribute right out of the gate, he just doesn’t fill a position of need like the others do. Antonio Smith and Mario Williams are a pair of pretty stellar defensive ends, even if they will be learning the 3-4. If this scenario unfolded for the Texans, I really hope they’d just consider trading down.