I'd give the Texans a C+ draft grade. Depending on how motivated Sam Montgomery is, it could go up to a B+ or A- grade. It was a very good draft overall. I see four potential starters from this draft class (maybe five or six). Two should become immediate starters as rookies, DeAndre Hopkins and Brennan Williams.

I have high hopes for DJ Swearinger, Trevardo Williams and Ryan Griffin long-term wise. The X-Factor is going to be Chris Jones at nose tackle. If the goal is to draft future starters then the Texans definitely did very well, but a couple of those guys have off-the-field concerns and their character and work ethic are in question. So it's still a huge unknown right now.

But I'm excited for the 2013 NFL season to start. Still a little over four months away.

Hopkins - starter
Swearinger - not a starter, but will play a lot in the 3 safeties set
Williams - 50/50 on starter. Might only play half of the snaps like Brown did his rookie season.
Montgomery - Depending if Reed move to ILB, he'll start. If not, he'll still be in the rotation.
Williams - Probably wont get a ton of playing time, but will be in passing situations.
Quessenberry - From what I know, underrated player and can play 4 of 5 positions on OL. Future starter.
Bonner - Don't think we should've drafted another WR, but Kubiak liked him.
Jones - Unless he beat Mitchell in TC, he'll be backup NT for now, but he'll get playing time since we only have two NT.
Griffin - 3rd TE. Probably will just block majority of the time.

brennan dropped due to injury, once he is fully healed he will be solid RT

I heard he was raw but I'm not sure if that's true. He should know how to play in our ZBS tho.

I hope the Texans' coaching staff finds a way to utilize Ryan Griffin inside the red zone. He's a big and strong guy who has good hands and can block. He kept improving every year while at UCONN, practically doubling his touchdown totals the past three seasons, from 1 to 3 to 6.

JJ Watt is just too awesome



This post was edited by Thuggedoutwoody on Apr 28 2013 09:31pm

what a thug. hope they trade this man ASAP.

Cut him, imo

agreed. no way anyone would even think about trading a 7th for him.

Most of us would agree J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the game right now. That worries me when it's time to talk long-term contract with him. He's going to command a percentage of the Texans' overall cap space. But I guess it's possible to fit in a couple highly-paid players. The Packers just gave Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews an entire bank load of money and they still had just enough cap space to make a few other moves. The Cowboys have a portion of their salary cap invested into Tony Romo and DeMarcus Ware as well. I wish we hadn't re-signed Schaub last off-season though.