NFL Mock Draft 2013: Texans projected to bolster wide receiver corps

The Houston Texans were one of the AFC's best teams for much of 2012. Their powerful rushing attack set up the passing game, which was dominated by wide receiver Andre Johnson. Problem is, Johnson might be getting too much of an emphasis right now -- he caught 50 more passes and gained 882 more yards than Houston's second-leading receiver (tight end Owen Daniels) last season.

Because of this imbalance, Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, in his latest mock draft on Wednesday, sees the Texans selecting California Golden Bears early entrant wide receiver Keenan Allen with the 27th overall pick. Banks says that while other wideouts may be considered, Allen is the pick here:

Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins is another popular pick to the Texans, who clearly are targeting a No. 2 receiver to help lighten the receiving load that Andre Johnson has carried for years. For now, we're standing pat with Allen, who catches the ball with physicality, in the mold of Anquan Boldin. A reported failed drug test at the combine might hurt Allen with some teams, but it's not the deal-breaker it once was in the NFL.

SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn ranks Allen as the draft's second-best receiver prospect. Allen caught 61 passes for 737 yards and six touchdowns for the Golden Bears in 2012, following up a sophomore season in which he posted 1,343 receiving yards on 98 catches with six touchdowns.

Fairburn, on the other hand, has Houston going with Florida State Seminoles offensive tackle Menelik Watson with the No. 27 spot in his latest mock draft.

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