National Football League

Houston Texans draft preview: Next step? Beat the Colts

Published Apr. 8, 2015 9:25 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

The Houston Texans hold the No. 16 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In our 32-team preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Looking to keep pace with the Andrew Luck-led Colts, the Houston Texans' offseason was headlined by keeping three of their own players in-house.

Giving contract extensions to cornerback Kareem Jackson, offensive tackle Derek Newton and quarterback Ryan Mallett, general manager Rick Smith and head coach Bill O'Brien look to build off a season in which they exceeded expectations.

Winning nine games the year after having the No. 1 overall pick, the Texans have a core foundation and are a piece or two away from contending for the division title. Deciding who will be the starting quarterback is the first order of business.

Mallett, who signed a two-year, $7 million deal last month, will compete with veteran Brian Hoyer. With wide receiver Andre Johnson asking for his release, the Texans signed Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington to pair with DeAndre Hopkins and Devier Posey. The Texans could use another option at the wide receiver position.

The strength of this team is the defense, however. Leading the league in takeaways, Romeo Crennel's unit will likely be among the best in the league again. By adding veteran nose tackle Vince Wilfork, it buys second-year player Louis Nix III some time to develop. Defensive end JJ Watt continues to play at an elite level, and adding another outside linebacker might benefit this team. By adding in Rahim Moore in free agency, Houston has a playmaking safety to line up alongside D.J. Swearinger.

Re-signing Jackson was certainly a coup, but adding another impact defender in the secondary could really take this unit to the next level.

Positions of need: OLB, WR, CB

Three options to consider at No. 16

Jalen Collins, CB: Cornerback Johnathan Joseph enters the final year of his deal and Collins could be the veteran's long-term replacement. Collins, who made just 10 starts at LSU, has a rare blend of size and speed. He's raw, but his natural talent makes him hard to pass on.

Jaelen Strong, WR: Strong is considered to be in the second-tier of wide receivers in this draft class, but the 6-foot-2, 217-pound wide receiver possesses some rare ability. Strong's basketball background allows him to control his body and go up and get the ball in traffic

Bud Dupree, OLB: Perhaps Dupree falls to the middle of the first round, the Texans could add the versatile defender. Standing 6-foot, 4, 270 pounds, Dupree's production in college might not be indicative of his high ceiling in the league. Kentucky's team captain lined up all along the defensive front and with good coaching could become an impact defender.