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2013 NFL Mock Draft: Will Texans draft WR Tavon Austin?

Houston could add another target for quarterback Matt Schaub in the draft.

USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans are one of the most balanced teams in football, but their offense could receive a boost in April's NFL Draft.

In his latest mock draft, SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn predicts the Texans will draft West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin with a late first round draft pick:

Tavon Austin's athleticism is almost unfair. He changes direction with ease and has breakaway speed. That combination makes him an excellent route runner and a dangerous player after the catch. The Texans' offense desperately needs some explosiveness, especially at wide receiver. Andre Johnson can't do it all himself.

Austin was one of Heisman finalist Geno Smith's favorite targets this season. Austin caught 114 passes for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He was also a threat on the ground, running the ball 72 times for 643 yards and three scores.

The senior out of Baltimore was just as good in 2011, catching 101 passes for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns. Austin became one of the deadliest wide receivers in college football after converting from a running back out of high school.

Austin could be a nice compliment to Johnson in Houston. Johnson led the team this season with 1,598 yards, but the next best total for a wide receiver was Kevin Walter's 518 receiving yards. Tight end Owen Daniels caught 62 passes for 716 yards.

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