Mock draft after mock draft have rolled out of every corner of the Internet over the last few weeks, which is funny considering that the Super Bowl hasn't even been played yet and free agency hasn't opened up. However, a good mock draft is hard to resist and, ladies and gentlemen, this one's a doozy. The folks over at SB Nation's Mocking the Draft have recently gone beyond the call of duty and released a five-round mock draft. In that mock draft, the Houston Texans fill holes in their roster at the wide receiver, cornerback and other positions.
First, with the No. 26 pick, the Texans choose South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Texans signed former Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph as a free agent before the 2011 season, which turned out to be a great move considering Joseph ended up in the Pro Bowl. Gilmore could play opposite of Joseph and boost the Texans secondary.
In the second round, MTD predicts the Texans take Miami wide receiver Tommy Streeter. It's no secret that Andre Johnson isn't getting any younger and 2011 was a great example of how he struggles at times with injuries. Streeter is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver with 4.4-speed and can give the quarterback another big target if Johnson is out.
In the third round, MTD thinks the Texans will switch to defense and select Alabama nose tackle Josh Chapman. The Texans had one of the best defenses in the league and you can't ever have too many good linemen. This 6-foot-1, 310-pound boulder is a run-stopping machine and could add some depth to the Texans solid front seven.
Then, in the fourth round, MTD believes the Texans Texas Tech guard Lonnie Edwards. In 2010, Edwards started every game at left guard and was named to the second team All-Big 12. Edward stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 320 pounds and can play tackle if necessary.
Finally in the fifth round, MTD picks Stanford safety Delano Howell. Howell was a second team All-Pac-10 selection in 2010 and can return kicks and punts as well as play safety. Howell, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 198 pounds can add depth to the safety position as well as participate in special teams.
The Texans went to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2011 and they won their first playoff game too. With a good draft, the Texans can build off that foundation and go right back in 2012.
For more on the Texans, head to Battle Red Blog, and for updates on the upcoming draft, go to Mocking The Draft.