The Houston Texans ought to use their first two selections in the 2020 NFL Draft to address cornerback and the defensive line.
So say Chad Reuter and Lance Zierlien from NFL.com, who released their ideal top two picks for every team. The Texans’ ideal picks are Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson at 40th overall in the second round, and Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott with the 90th overall pick in the third round.
After dealing one of their second-round picks for Brandin Cooks, the Texans can lock in on adding cornerback help and re-stocking their defensive line. Johnson has the traits and balls skills the Texans are looking for at cornerback. Elliott plays with good toughness and disruption along the interior. He should help fill the hole left by the departure of D.J. Reader in free agency.
The Texans are stocked at cornerback with Bradley Roby, Gareon Conley, Lonnie Johnson, Vernon Hargreaves, Phillip Gaines, and Keion Crossen. The nickel and dime packages will also see some of defensive back Jaylen Watkins as well. Taking cornerback with the Texans’ first pick of the draft would mean that someone in the cornerback group currently could be on the way out.
Adding Elliott would help the Texans get younger along the interior defensive line. Reader was a Pro Bowl alternate for the Texans in his final season with the team, and Houston will likely miss that production in their first season without the 2016 fifth-round pick from Clemson. Reader grew into being a solid starter for the Texans, and taking Elliott, or any defensive tackle, in the third round would carry that expectation of becoming a key contributor in the defensive trenches.
Houston’s holes are seemingly filled after the first wave of free agency. Now, the Texans have to choose wisely as they put their final touches on their offseason roster.