Texans Draft Breakdown: DeAndre Hopkins

After months of talking about the draft, and trying to figure our what the Texans needed to get to their first Super Bowl the Texans made their first pick last night. They grabbed standout WR DeAndre Hopkins from Clemson. Hopkins will most likely line up on the other side of All Pro Texans WR Andre Johnson who said he wanted the team to draft another WR in this draft. The goal will be that Hopkins can come in a become the explosive deep threat the Texans have needed to stretch the other side of the field opposite Andre Johnson. Hopkins can make plays on the ball, and like Andre Johnson he has the ability to go up and make plays on balls that many other WR's couldn't.

After a postseason injury to rookie WR Devier Posey the Texans had the need to bring in a young explosive player with this pick. Hopkins will be looking to fill the shoes of Kevin Walter, who was released after this season and has since signed with the Titans. Walter had always been a pretty dependable player for the Texans. And did a great job a year ago when Andre Johnson was injured for most of the year and he finished with 39 catches and 474 yards.And while Walter was a good #2 WR it's this simple, last season Andre Johnson had over 1500 receiving yards and 4 TD's. While the rest of the Texans WR's (4 other players) had 841 yards receiving and 4 TD's. Getting Johnson help was a priority and Hopkins could be that guy.

Hopkins is 6'1" and weighs in at 214lbs. As a true freshmen Hopkins led Clemson in receiving yards with 637 yards and 4 TD's. As a sophomore he had 78 catches for 973 yards and 5 TD's. Then as a junior Hopkins 82 catches for 1405 yards and 16 TD's. Hopkins made plays all through college and is hopeful that things won't change as s member of the Texans. He had this to say via Twitter about becoming a member of the Texans Thursday night: "Wanna thank all my fans fur supporting me thru the years , now it's time to get a championship in Houston baby!!!"

Top 5 Teams in the NFL Pre Draft Edition

Well with the draft right around the corner it feels like it's the appropriate time time get going on a top 5 list. Yes, already it's time. Many think their respective teams have gotten better already. Some think their team is on the other end of the spectrum. It's about time to give my opinion on which team's have made the right moves and which team's have taken steps in the opposite direction in search of what every NFL team starts the season looking for. A Super Bowl Championship.

Atlanta Falcons in at #5: After coming within 1 game it the Super Bowl the Atlanta Falcons put themselves back in a position to be just as good next season. Offensively the Falcons only lost RB Michael Turner. Turner had been the work horse for this team the last 4 years. But with his production going down gradually over the last 2 season's people are saying he's done in terms of productive years in this league. After losing Turner the Falcons signed former Rams RB Stephen Jackson to replace Turner. They were also able to get hall of fame TE Tony Gonzalez to stay for 1 more season as well. On defense the lost DE John Abraham but quickly got Osi Umenyora from the Giants, getting younger at that position. Osi said on NFL Network his goal was to get the NFL DPOY award this season. I'd think he'll be ready and have a huge impact on this team's pass rush. If the Falcons are healthy this year I'm expecting them to be back in the NFC Championship game, maybe even in the Super Bowl.

Peyton and his Broncos take the #4: The Broncos made the right move bringing in Peyton Manning last offseason. In just 1 season Manning's turned this team into a serious contender. Manning was also a big factor in the Broncos ability to get big name free agents. Just ask Wes Welker who signed there this offseason. One of his biggest reasons for wanting to play in Denver was Manning. Other free agents that came to Denver include Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, and Terrence Cody. Both great defensive players that will come into starting roles and should make big impacts. While the Broncos did lose players in free agency, it was more necessary losses than anything. With guys like Von Miller and Ryan Clady having contracts that'll need some attention in the near future. The Broncos should be back in the playoffs again next season, and be serious contenders next season.

Patriots #3: Yes I know the Patriots were in the AFC Championship game last season. They lost in the playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl Champs. But after losing Wes Welker in free agency I just couldn't put them in the top 2 right now. They have made some great moves though, like bringing in S Adrian Wilson and DT Tommie Kelly. But losing their top WR from the last 5-6 years just isn't good. Danny Amendola is a decent talent, when he's 1 on 1 against teams that aren't putting time into stopping just him. But now on a Patriots team that might be without both their start TE's to start the year I'm not sure he can do what Welker did for New England. Nevertheless the Patriots still have Tom Brady so they'll be dangerous, I'm just not sure their offense will be as explosive without a key guy like Welker.

#2 belongs to the Texans: The Texans were a couple players away from making the Super Bowl last season. They were able to get future hall if fame S Ed Reed this offseason along with Shane Lechler. Many Texans fans are of the opinion that QB Matt Schaub is the problem with this Texans team. But if you watched the Texans play this season you know that's not really the case. This team just got tired to end the year and it showed as they dropped 4 of their last 6 gamed to end the season and lost the #1 seed in the playoffs ti Denver. Next season the goal should be to play every game at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Last season the showed they can play with the AFC's best. The next step for the Texans is getting to a Super Bowl and their not far off that goal.

49ers take the #1 spot: After making it to the Super Bowl all the 49ers did was get better this offseason. They did lose Pro Bowl S Dashon Goldson but with the loss of him they still aren't in bad shape. They brought in former Ram Chrir Dahl to replace Goldson. He's familiar with the division and should at least be able to hold his own. The 49ers also made maybe the best offseason move of any team trading for former Raven Anquan Boldin. Boldin will add something to this receiving hasn't had in years, consistency. With the addition of Boldin I'm picking the Niners at #1.

Draft Preview: Houston Texans

Now that it's pretty deep into free agency and a lot of the position questions are answered it's about time for a draft preview. The Texans do have some priority positions to fill and will do so early I believe. With Kevin Walter now a Titan the Texans know they'll need a WR. Not necessarily to play opposite Andre Johnson but to play period. At the end of last year Devier Posey stepped up and became the consistent 3rd target the Texans needed in the WR core. Posey was injured in the playoffs and will almost certainly miss some time to start the season but will return during this season. Knowing that the Texans can draft a player that not only fills the need of WR but also a player that'll stretch the field deep. The Texans have lacked a player with that ability and know every play maker they can get will be difference between another 1 win playoff campaign and a Super Bowl appearance. Let's get into this and look at the players the Texans will be targeting on April 25th.

Keenan Allen out of Cal seems to be a likely candidate. Many are of the opinion that the Texans should draft DeAndre Hopkins out of Clemson over Allen but I disagree. Allen had a great season this past year. He caught a TD pass in all but 3 games this season, and those 3 games were against USC, Stanford, and Ohio St. He still had great numbers in those games though. At 6'3" and 210 lbs Allen already has the size to contribute for a team now. Allen could play outside, but when in the slot at Cal he seemed to be more of a mismatch for defenses. When Cal played against Ohio St. Allen had 10 catches and 144 yards. He played most of that game in the slot, and never was stopped really. Allen ran a slow 40 at 4.71 but he was never considered a speedster. Mike Mayock said he doesn't care about his 40 yard dash. Anquan Boldin also ran a slow 40, but look at him now. They key is knowing what you're getting and how to utilize the talents they have. Plain and simple Allen catches passes and runs great routes. Texans need both.

If the Texans go WR in the 1st round I feel like they'll definitely go defense with their next pick. They've went defense in the 1st the last 2 years. The Texans got JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus with those picks. I believe that the Texans will go ILB here. So far this off season they've re signed Tim Dobbins and no one else. So they have Dobbins, injury prone Daryl Sharpton, and Brian Cushing who's returning from a torn ACL. Oregon's Kiko Alonso would fit nicely in the middle of the field alongside Brian Cushing. Alonso had some discipline problems early in his college career. But after getting a DUI and being forced to sit out a whole season Alonso came back a better and much smarter player. In 2012 Alonso racked up 81 tackles and 14 of those were for a loss. That's pretty good as a ILB and not a primary pass rusher. He has a knack for being around the football, as he showed getting 4 interceptions, and 2 forces fumbles. Wade Phillips loves players that are naturally disruptive defensively. If picked here Alonso could start and have an impact immediately this season.

Big position priorities for the Texans at LB, DT, and interior OL. I believe they'll address the offensive line with their 3rd round pick. Both Terron Armstead and Ryan Wagner are possibilities here. Armstead has tremendous upside, but has some off the field issues that may stop some teams from taking him this high. Wagner on the other hand is more than ready now to contribute to a team. I believe the Texans go with Wagner due to his lack of off field problems. Wagner would more than likely back up Wade Smith or Ben Jones. There's also the possibility he rotates in as Ben Jones did before getting some starts later in the season. Jones was a 4th round pick last season out of Georgia.

The Texans have been great at later draft picks that have turned to be great players for them. Ben Jones last season was an example of this. Like Jones, the now departed  Glover Quin was also a 4th round pick that turned out to be a starter and key contributor. No doubt the Texans are looking for another player like that this year. One player that rings a bell in my head is Phillip Steward. Steward's a OLB from the University of Houston who had 11 sacks last season. He was a tackling machine in 2012 for the Cougars. Steward played OLB in the 4-3 scheme the Cougars ran, but he has the instincts of a ILB. Just like Cushing was, Steward could be converted to ILB in the Wade Phillips 3-4 defense.

Arians and Palmer may be the answer in Arizona

Last season the Arizona Cardinals entered the season with the hopes that their newly acquired QB was the answer to the teams offensive problems. This season the Cardinals will have the same exact hopes. I believe this time they're set up to succeed. New HC Bruce Arians had great success last year while coaching the Colts for the sick Chuck Pagano. Mostly due to the offense he ran, and his tutelage of rookie Andrew Luck. Much like Luck, Palmer has a great football mind. Finding the open guy is something he's always done. Palmer coming over from the Raiders may have just given Arians the QB he needs to get this Arizona offense firing right out the gate this season.

Much like in Indy Arians will have to battle having a below average offensive line. Whether it was Kolb, Lindley, or Skelton last season at QB for the Cardinals they were under pressure. If the offensive line can stay healthy the whole year Palmer should be alright. The Cardinals were also smart in signing ex-Steeler Rashard Mendenhall to a 1 year deal. With them expecting Ryan Williams back healthy next season Mendenhall could be the between the tackles runner. Williams can spell him, adding some speed more of an edge threat. More importantly both are pretty good in the protection game, so Palmer will get more help staying clean. In the end if Palmer has a pocket and time to throw the ball, he can and will get it done for any team. His problems in Oakland have been because of a lack of talent period.

While in Cincinnati Palmer had a great group of WR's. Not so much while on the Raiders. The Cardinals are trying to give Palmer the type of weapons he had while playing with the Bengals. As we all know the Cardinals still have Larry Fitzgerald. Last season they took Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame. He showed signs of being a top flight WR, add Andre Roberts to that equation and there's a group that could be some trouble. Given the right offense like a no huddle hurry up style I think they could put up huge numbers. Last season Arians used the hurry up offense in Indy allowing Luck to control a lot of the audible off what he saw. Palmer has the same ability to do the same thing. He proved that while playing for the Bengals.

Last season with the Oakland Raiders Carson Palmer threw for 4,018 yards and threw 22 TD's. His leading receiver was his TE Brandon Myers with 806 yards. Myers also led the team in receptions with 79. Second in receptions was FB Marcel Reece with 52. Palmer used what he had in Oakland but he didn't have enough. Already in Arizona are the pieces that Palmer never had in Oakland. Along with the offensive mind of Bruce Arians I believe the Cardinals could be a dangerous team to face this season.

Free Agency Report Card: Texans Edition

Going into this years offseason the Houston Texans knew that there would be a chance they'd lose some players that had been with the team for a long time. Both S Glover Quin and OLB Connor Barwin were both starters on defense and it was thought the Texans would keep at least one of them. As it turned out they didn't keep either and also lost another player that started on the offensive side of the ball in FB James Casey as well. Even after all the losses the Texans staff still feels like they're are a better team now, a team that has filled important spots to get them over the hump in the AFC and get them to a Ssuper Bowl.

Ed Reed in, Glover Quinn out: Many Texans fans weren't happy that S Glover Quin was allowed to leave for more money in Detroit. Quin was a very talented player who's versatility made him able to play at the line of scrimmage a lot in Wade Phillips defensive scheme. And while I do think Quin was great at what Phillips asked him to do, I can say with confidence that no player in football is better then Ed Reed at knowing what an opposing offense wants to do. This is why Reed is such s great fit with the Texans. Reed is arguably the games best ball hawk of all time, and he's goin to a team that routinely tips passes. To be more correct he's going to the team that led the league in defenses passes. JJ Watt himself had more than many defensive backs. And another thing to remember is that the Texans did a lot of this without ILB Brian Cushing. Cushing is a very ball alert type player and will only help next season if he's fully healthy.

Re-signing CB Brice McCain: As the year went on the Texans figured out who they wanted to play inside in nickel situations at CB. That man was Brice McCain. Many didn't think that this signing warranted much attention but the simple fact is this before McCain got hurt against the Titnas the Texans were 11-1, after they went 1-3 to finish off the season. In every one of those games the Texans lost because they failed to stop teams from moving the ball through the air. McCain was truly missed both times the Texans played the Patriots. McCain was vital to this team, he even played for Jonathan Joseph when he went out with a groin injury and did really well. With McCain back and healthy this season the Texans secondary should be on good shape against a pass happy AFC.

Texnas address special teams, bring in Lechler: Shane Lechler is without a doubt among the league's best punters. Only player that can rival his kick power is 49ers P Andy Lee. In a league that's so driven by offense now it's more important to attempt to make teams go the length of the field to score points. Last season the Texans had problems with there special teams unit. They gave up a good amount of big plays off of punts ans kickoffs, and never had any success in the return game all season. Signing Lechler should help at least half of that problem. Last season Lechler got hurt, but playing for a team that's not winning will do that to some. Not saying he tanked the season, I'm just bring honest. The Raiders gave Lechler the biggest contract any punter had ever seen 4 years ago. But after being on a losing team for that long Lechler needed a change of scenery. The Texans have one of the league's most aggressive defense's, and they're hoping that Lechler's boot will be able to force teams into tight spots all year long so that defense can make plays.

All in all I'm giving the Texans a free agency grade of a B+. I know free agency is far from over and that there are still moves to be made. I could see the Texans going after a veteran DT like Casey Hampton formerly of the Steelers. He's a big body that could do exactly what the Texans need and that's plug the middle while Watt and Antonio Smith rush outside. ILB is also a priority for the Texans and I could see them bringing back Bradie James for a second year. I could also see the Texans making a move on Shaun Phillips. The former Charger played for Wade Phillips while he was the defensive coordinator there in San Diego and could be looking for a change.