The Houston Texans may not have a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they can still find quality depth with their three picks in the top-100.
According to Luke Easterling of the Draft Wire, who released a three-round mock draft, the Texans should go with cornerback, offensive line, and receiver with their 40th, 57th, and 90th overall picks.
With the Texans’ first of two second-round picks, the AFC South champions take Jeff Gladney from TCU to help with the cornerback group. Gladney would join a unit that has Bradley Roby returning as a starter with Vernon Hargreaves, Gareon Conley, Lonnie Johnson, and Jaylen Watkins playing support roles to provide quality depth.
At No. 57, the Texans take Lloyd Cushenberry from LSU. Cushenberry could give the Texans options along their offensive line, which could look to get rid of guard Senio Kelemete. Cushenberry could assume his duties, and then grow into a role to take over for Greg Mancz or starting right guard Zach Fulton.
Sticking with the offense, the Texans use their third-round selection to bolster their receiving corps with USC’s Michael Pittman. Pittman would add youth to a receiving unit that will have Kenny Stills and Will Fuller out wide with Randall Cobb fulfilling the slot receiver duties. Pittman would battle Keke Coutee, Steven Mitchell, and DeAndre Carter for playing time throughout training camp and preseason.
The addition of Gladney, Cushenberry, and Pittman would create instant competition at their respective positions. It would also help the Texans get younger at those positions, and the groups still have solid veterans to help the rookies properly transition to the pro level.
With the Texans picking in the second round as their entry into the draft, it is the second time in three drafts Houston won’t have a first-round pick. Coach Bill O’Brien, now full-time general manager, will have to evaluate wisely.
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