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The Houston Texans had one of the best teams in the NFL in 2012 so there aren't a ton of positions on the field that need dire replacement. However, finding an inside linebacker could be an offseason priority for the reigning AFC South champions.
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SB Nation's Dan Kadar released his latest mock draft on Monday, and he has the Texans addressing that position by selecting Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown with the No. 27 overall selection.
The Texans need to add a playmaker at inside linebacker in the event that Brian Cushing gets injured again. Brown is the most athletically gifted linebacker in the draft and can make plays all around the field. Many consider him undersized, but he's not much smaller than current Texans Tim Dobbins or Darryl Sharpton.
Cushing, 26, has developed in to a very good linebacker for the Texans; however, he played in just five games during the 2012 season before a torn ACL in early October ended his season prematurely. While one concern will be his return from the injury, the bigger one is finding a playmaker to pair with Cushing.
Bradie James, Tim Dobbins and Darryl Sharpton have all had some time in an inside linebacker role with the Texans, but none have inspired much hope as a long-term starter. Brown, although undersized, was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, after accumulating 100 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and seven tackles for loss for the Wildcats.