NFL Mock Draft Curveball: Could Texans Pair Bijan Robinson With Dameon Pierce?
With the NFL draft rapidly approaching, the Houston Texans draw nearer to using two more first-round picks to bolster their roster. Last year, they drafted cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at No. 3 overall and offensive lineman Kenyon Green at No. 15 overall.
This year, the Texans will pick at No. 2 and No. 12 overall, with the second pick likely to be a quarterback while there is several routes they could go at No. 12.
In the latest mock from NFL.com, the Texans in fact do go the conventional route with the second overall pick and select quarterback Bryce Young out of Alabama after the Carolina Panthers take Ohio State's C.J. Stroud at No. 1 overall.
There is plenty to love about Young as a prospect, as his stats alone tell the story of him as an elite quarterback. In his two seasons starting for Alabama, Young threw for 8,356 yards with 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his passes.
To go with Young, most mock drafts have given the Texans an offensive weapon at No. 12 overall, with a receiver being the popular pick.
However, in this mock, they throw a curveball by selecting Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson.
The value of a first-round pick on a running back is a common debate in terms of the NFL draft, especially with Robinson ready to hear his name called on night one.
The allure of drafting Robinson is undoubtedly there, as his 1,580 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns en route to winning the Doak Walker jump off the page. Despite that, though, this would be a head-scratcher for the Texans.
First and foremost, the Texans already have a lead running back in Dameon Pierce who burst onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for 939 yards and four touchdowns.
Secondly, while the Texans would be wise to get Young an elite offensive weapon here, the smarter move is likely a receiver. Houston is not a team that is one piece away, and while Robinson is an electric prospect, he doesn't fit a glaring need.
When the Texans find themselves on the clock, both at No. 2 and No. 12 overall, they can add two more franchise cornerstones.
A quarterback is all but assumed, and while Robinson could be an enticing pick, they would be better off looking elsewhere with their second first-round pick.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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