In my last post my vote is the Texans need to use their first round pick on a WR, but they will take a look at a prospect defensive tackle to eventually replace Shaun Cody, the only problem i have with this pick is that even though it would complete their defense to have a guy that commands double teams in the middle and just stuffs the gap stopping the run, a true DT with the size and quality of a Haloti Ngata type guy is what this defense needs to push them over the top to be a historically great defense and push them to number one in overall defense. Getting back to Shaun Cody is that he does not to be replaced immediately he can hold his own, and drafting a DT wouldn't be the best just because that first round pick cant come in and have a immediate impact, although he can be groomed up to the position and be great in time. Now lets take a look at some of the defensive tackle the Texans will be keeping an eye on to take one within the first to third round in the draft.
1. Dontari Poe 6'5 350 Memphis
Where to begin on Poe, first of all his size is a dream 3-4 nose tackle. His size will demand double teams on him, his height with his monster weight combo is something the Texans will not pass up if he falls to them, there are a few teams that need a DT but even fewer that need a 3-4 NT. Perfect for him is that he will not start because he does need to be groomed and what better coach to do that than Wade Philips. The only concern around the scouting world is his form and he seems a bit raw but he has a A grade potential but will take some time which is what the Texans would be looking to do anyways, he was very effective at Memphis and really demanded double teams because of his monster size, you can bet if he is still on the board since he is the highest rated NT the Texans will take him over a WR.
2. Alameda Ta'amu 6'3 333 Washington
To start on Ta'amu what he brings to the table is his surprisingly athletic ability to rush the passer which is what more and more teams are starting to draft and pay the big money for to have that ability to put pressure on the quarterback. Ta'amu is quick with his feet and seems to find a way to rush the passer all the time, he has a great size and is quick and has great hands to maneuver around linemen great form to get pass offensive linemen to get to the passer and quick enough to run to the ball carrier down the run lane to put a effective stop down the middle. I love Ta'amu and the only reason i have him at number two at the moment because i still need to see how he preforms at the combine and handle some of the technical drills
3. Devon Still 6'5 307 Penn State
Devon is one of the most ready DTs in the draft a safe pick that can start and make a impact, his size commands double teams and the best part while at Penn State he knew how to beat double teams and give the passer some trouble and really opened up some lanes for the linebackers. He has great hand technique when you watch him just get off blocks really fast, now his numbers don't show it because he does not get that many sacks but he gets some tackles and he rushes the pass. He has quick feet and great form and great size that the Texans need, he is projected to still be on the board for the Texans pick it all depends on if there are any WR talent available if not then the Texans might just take a long look at him.
4. Josh Chapman 6'0 315 Alabama
One of the most unsung heroes in the 2011-2012 National Championship defense, he didn't get the numbers but he was able to stuff the lanes and handle double teams to really let his linebackers like Dont'a Hightower do work and make plays, someone that will really open the same kind of effectiveness from the Texans talented linebackers Cushing and Ryans. He isn't as tall as some teams are starting to lean towards but he has the overall size and the skill to be a very effective NT in the 3-4 to stop the run and plug up the run lane and open up lane for the linebackers. Chapman at this moment is a 1st round talent that will most likely be taken in the 2nd round, however it should be noted he can raise his draft stock to a sure first rounder if he preforms well in the drills, although his size can be seen as average he really knows how to be a effective team player and really fill his role in a defense.
Now i like to pick a sleeper or what draft experts say a 'dark horse' pick and with that let me introduce to you Kheeston Randall 6'4 297 Texas, now he will be a late round talent but i think has great potential to be slowly introduced in some plays to compete with Earl Mitchell the back up DT for the Texans. I like Kheeston and i think he is really undervalued at the position, in his play reel while at Texas he is really effective at stopping the run, he knows how to use his hands when he has to get around blockers and shed quickly to make a play however it should be noted he was not very effective on passing situations and couldn't seem to get to the passer which could be improved with coaching, i like him as a late round pick and used to be a project player talent. I see more potential in him than the Texans current project DT in Earl Mitchell, Kheeston is undervalued mainly because of his weight which can be added his technique slightly tuned but he has the part you cant teach and train and bulk up and thats talent.
Keep an eye out for these guys as they are set to preform in combine drills on monday, tomorrow on my next post we will talk about looking at some possible linebackers if Mario Williams is let go.
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