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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition

By Randy Gurzi

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 014: Offensive lineman Cody Ford #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners engages the crowd before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 014: Offensive lineman Cody Ford #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners engages the crowd before the game against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Owls 63-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

23. Houston Texans: Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma

There’s no way any member of the Houston Texans coaching staff or front office can say their offensive line is where they want it to be. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked more than any other gun-slinger in 2018 and they simply have to fix that. Which is why they use their first-round pick on Oklahoma’s Cody Ford.

Despite having just one season as a full-time starter, Ford has ascended up boards thanks to his freakish strength. Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network points out his physicality as a reason this kid can be a “top-tier” player at the next level.

"“There is no question that right now his physical and athletic gifts are superior to his polish, but Ford has the traits to be a top-tier player in the NFL. He needs refinement and proper coaching, preferably at tackle first and then moving to guard if he consistently struggles on the outside. Ford’s ceiling may be higher at guard, but his value could be greater at tackle if he hits. The redshirt junior should be one of the biggest risers of the pre-draft process and has a legitimate shot to be a first round pick.” — Ledyard, The Draft Network"

Ford should be able to excel at tackle, which would help the Texans tremendously. On the flip side, if he does have to move to guard — as Ledyard points out as a possibility — that wouldn’t be terrible either as Houston has a need there as well.

In the end, Cody Ford is a heck of an offensive lineman and the Houston Texans need as many of those as they can get.

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