Texans Revamp Defensive Line, Run Game in Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft
As the Houston Texans depart from the NFL Scouting Combine, they’ll grapple with the consequences of some electric testing performances.
It’s important not to double-count athleticism in the evaluation process. We knew Texas receiver Xavier Worthy was fast, that Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton had a big arm, etc. But with a week of tests, drills, medicals, and interviews, it was still a fruitful week.
That isn’t limited to prospects who made their athleticism official over the past week. Even prospects that opted to skip certain portions of the festivities in Indianapolis could have cemented their early-round stock.
Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (4) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first half at Memorial Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
One such prospect is Illinois defensive tackle Johnny (Jer’Zhan) Newton. He is recovering from surgery, taking him out of play for the week’s workouts. Even so, strong interviews and the film he put up in his final collegiate season have him hovering around the first round of the NFL Draft.
He was Houston’s initial pick in the 33rd Team’s most recent mock draft.
“Jer’Zhan Newton didn’t work out at the NFL Combine due to a foot injury, but he should still be a lock first-round pick,” Marcus Mosher wrote. “He is an up-the-field pass rusher that would make Houston’s defensive line even more dynamic.”
While the Texans’ search for a second edge presence lingers on – homegrown talent Jonathan Greenard is yet to re-sign – improving the pass rush by any means necessary is important. With defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins likely headed out of town in free agency, the door is open for a replacement, and a dynamic one at that.
Newton is in the running for the best interior lineman in this class and would be an instant boost to Houston’s unit. Pushing the pocket and forcing passers into Will Anderson Jr.’s path is an easy way to find success, making Newton’s pass-rushing prowess helpful regardless of production.
With the 59th pick, the Texans picked Texas running back Jonathon Brooks.
The ground game was perhaps Houston’s weakest unit this season. The rushing attack ranked 27th in success rate after incumbent starter Dameon Pierce struggled extensively. Devin Singletary usurped the role en route to the best season of his career, but he too is a free agent.
Singletary found his success through vision and footwork, which is commendable. But virtually any highly drafted back is going to be bigger, faster, and stronger than Singletary. Those flaws in his athletic profile limited his ability to create big plays.
That isn’t a concern for Brooks, who gives the Texans another avenue to an explosive offense. Taking some of the pressure off the passing attack makes life easier come January and would remain an important piece of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s ideal gameplan.
