Houston Texans: Making the case for DeVante Parker

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Mar 20, 2015

The Houston Texans sure have been busy so far in free agency. They were able to bolster many key areas on their team that for now could give them the missing pieces they need to make a push towards the NFL Playoffs. With new additions in quarterback Brian Hoyer, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, wide receiver Cecil Shorts III and free safety Rahim Moore, the stage is set to put it all together and contend. Now with some solid talent added into the mix, what happens to their draft strategy?

In my mock draft at the time, I had the Texans bolster their pass rush by drafting inside linebacker Eric Kendricks with their No. 16 overall selection. He would have helped give defensive end J.J. Watt some more support in bringing more pressure against opposing teams. Now with Wilfork in the mix and a returning Jadeveon Clowney, it looks like their defensive line will be just fine which is why everything is changed now with their plans heading into the draft.

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With the departure of Andre Johnson via free agency and the list of free agents at wide receiver nothing to go crazy over, it’s best the Texans address his absence via the draft. While I do like the acquisition of Shorts, the Texans still need to add some more speed and big-time playmaking receiving threats in order to try to take the division in the AFC South.

Drafting wide receiver DeVante Parker would be a good route for the Texans to go in at the draft. At 6’3″ and 209 pounds, he makes big plays while always being consistent. With his speed and ability to haul in touchdowns in the air with precision, he could compliment Shorts and DeAndre Hopkins rather well.

With the NFL being a passing league these days, it’s important to have top receivers to keep up with opponents. Considering all the additions that their neighbors in the AFC South have gotten, it could be a race until the very end to see who can earn a playoff spot.

The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans all have gotten upgrades on their teams and it’s good to see that the Texans kept up and didn’t be on the outside looking in. Having a successful draft will separate them from the rest, especially if Parker is still available for the taking as he would seal the deal offensively.

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver DeVante Parker (9) catches a pass over Kentucky Wildcats cornerback Fred Tiller (3) during the second half at Papa John

Out of all their neighbors though, it’s truly the Colts that are the team to beat heading into next season. Drafting Parker would give either Ryan Mallet or Hoyer a top-notch target to rely on in the passing game. Neither quarterback is going to outgun Andrew Luck but being able to keep up with their high-octane offense with a young star like Parker could keep things competitive.

While their main strength lies on defense, the Texans need to build their offense by infusing young talent and bolstering their wide receiving corps. While many believe they won’t intimidate many with their quarterback situation, either candidate presents a decent option to get the job done provided the Texans give them the playmakers needed to succeed.

Overall, Parker would bring that dimension to their offense and then some. He has the skill-set to really make some noise and push the envelope for the Texans to make a run in the AFC South, especially with all their acquisitions so far and how he could make those around him even better.

Next: Houston Texans: Grading Cecil Shorts Signing

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