Houston Texans hone in on defense in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Lucas Schuh
Houston gave up the farm to address their offensive line, which they needed to do. However, the Tunsil trade cost them first-round picks in 2020 and 2021. And while he and Tytus Howard give the Texans a solid future, the rest of the O-line still needs some help moving forward for the unit to be where it needs to be.
Robert Hunt would offer immediate help on the interior of the Texans offensive line. He’s a physical force who loves contact and putting defenders in the dirt, something coaches will love about his mentality and attitude on the field. He has the strength and power to be an immediate contributor on the line.
The Texans will need to reel in Hunt’s aggressiveness a bit to help refine him technically, specifically with overextension with his punches and in uncomfortable looking pass sets. However, he has the power and mentality of an NFL veteran and could be a high-quality guard for Houston.
Other Players Available: Nick Harris, Kenny Willekes, Lynn Bowden Jr.
The Texans need to fill the big (330 pounds to be exact) hole left by D.J. Reader‘s departure in their base 3-4 defensive front. Bravvion Roy can step into that defensive tackle role for them. He won’t fill Reader’s role immediately — that’s a tough ask for any rookie — but he offers plenty of long-term optimism.
At 6-1, 330 pounds, Roy has the size to fill Reader’s void at nose tackle. However, Roy doesn’t play like a traditional nose as he’s not much of a run-stuffer. Instead, he’s a well-versed pass-rusher at the position, especially for his size, boasting a multitude of different pass-rushing moves that he can win with on the inside.
If he can further develop as a run defender, which he should be able to given his size, Roy will be a three-down player who can stuff rushing attacks and get after quarterbacks. He has all the tools to be a valuable interior presence.
Other Players Available: Josiah Deguara, Raequan Williams, Justin Herron