6-3, 290, TCU
3 (90). Jonathan Greenard, DE/OLB
6-3, 263, Florida
4 (126). Charlie Heck, OT
6-8, 311, North Carolina
4 (141). John Reid, CB
5-10, 187, Penn State
5 (171). Isaiah Coulter, WR
6-2, 198, Rhode Island
Grade: C-
The Texans’ grade is complex, as it must factor the arrivals of Laremy Tunsil (who signed a record-smashing extension), David Johnson and Brandin Cooks and departures of Jadeveon Clowney and DeAndre Hopkins. Blacklock was a great get, and Greenard flashes major ability. Coulter could be a late-round steal, and Houston addressed most needs. However, Bill O’Brien has paid a premium in too many trades, leaving the Texans with only five picks and making it hard to maximize value.
Best pick
Marrying value and need is the goal of the draft, and Blacklock fits both criteria perfectly. The Texans had a hole with the departure of D.J. Reader, and Blacklock — a possible first-rounder — should slot gambling right in. A solid run defender, he brings serious pass-rush pop.
Upside pick
Blacklock is also an upside pick, but let’s go with Coulter. A small-school prospect in a very deep receiver class, he has adequate size and very good speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash), making him a vertical weapon. He adds to a very deep Texans receiving corps.
–By David DeChant, Field Level Media
