2015 NFL Draft: Late-Season Texans Mock Draft Round-Up

It has been roughly a month since we lasted updated you on who the internet’s various draft experts believe the Houston Texans will snatch in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Let’s check in with all the latest mock drafts in this month’s round-up.

11/17/2014: Dan Kadar (Mocking the Draft)

Pick 13 – Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Pick change; previously Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Commentary:

Prior to the season there were reports that Andre Johnson wanted out of Houston. If he's gone after the season, the Texans could add a new wide receiver to go along with DeAndre Hopkins. Cooper has reliable hands, is creative after the catch and can make defenders miss in the open field.

11/18/2014: Matt Miller (Bleacher Report)

Pick 14 – Gerod Holliman, FS, Louisville

Pick change; previously Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

Commentary:

Gerod Holliman has 13 interceptions on the season. The Houston Texans have 11 as a team—and team leader Jumal Rolle has just two. The Texans need help at the safety position, and if there isn't a valuable quarterback on the board, that becomes the biggest need for them heading into the offseason.

Holliman may not be Ronnie Lott as a tackler, but his vision, quickness and ball skills are top-notch. The Texans have a big-hitting safety in D.J. Swearinger, but what they lack is a player with the talent to create turnovers. Holliman can do that.

A redshirt sophomore, Holliman has the instant impact and upside to make him worth a top-14 pick.

11/28/2014: Draftsite.com

Pick 12 – Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

Pick change; previously P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State

Commentary: None

11/28/2014: Charlie Campbell (Walter Football)

Pick 12 – Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Pick change; previously Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Commentary:

The Texans have a good team, but quarterback play will probably keep them from the playoffs this year. Landing a quarterback prospect like Jameis Winston could immediately elevate Houston into being one of the AFC's elite. The problem is the Texans probably won't be picking early enough to snag him. If they miss out on a top quarterback, they could target a receiver to replace Andre Johnson or a running back who can follow Arian Foster. They also could consider an offensive tackle or a cornerback if Kareem Jackson isn't re-signed. While making that pick, keep in mind that Houston prioritizes elite talent over need and positional value, i.e. Jadeveon Clowney over Blake Bortles.

Gurley (6-1, 232) has surprising speed to go along with size, power, vision, balance, good ball security and picks up a lot of yards after contact. The junior justified the hype this year with a string of dominating performances before tearing an ACL. In 2014, Gurley averaged 7.4 yards for 911 yards with nine touchdowns. He had 12 receptions for 57 yards as well. Gurley also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Clemson.

Even though Gurley was suspended for autographing memorabilia, NFL sources from multiple teams have told WalterFootball.com that Gurley won't be downgraded because of it. They say that Gurley is a great, hard-working kid who loves football. He's getting high character grades.

In 2013, Gurley averaged six yards per carry for 989 yards and 10 touchdowns. The sophomore also had 30 receptions for 344 yards and five touchdowns. He missed three games. Gurley was one of the freshman running backs who burst onto the scene in the SEC during 2012. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2012 on his way to totaling 1,385 yards with 17 touchdowns. In the SEC Championship, he ran for 122 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns against Alabama's tough defense that led the Tide to a National Championship.

12/1/2014: Rob Rang (CBS Sports)

Pick 13 – Danny Shelton, DT, Washington

Pick change; previously Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Commentary:

The Texans' investment in Jadeveon Clowney hasn't yet paid off, but don't be surprised when his critics quiet down once he and JJ Watt get used to playing together. Adding a powerful - and passionate - interior presence like Shelton could help turn Houston's potential into production.

12/1/2014 Dane Brugler (CBS Sports)

Pick 13 – Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

No pick change

Commentary:

In two years at Penn State, Bill O'Brien never faced Michigan State, but you can bet he will be well familiar with the Spartans' talented cornerback by next spring. While he does get in trouble freelancing at times, Waynes has the height, length and athleticism that NFL teams value at the position to best match up with the tall trees at wide receiver at the pro level.

12/3/2014: Walter Cherepinsky (Walter Football)

Pick 13 – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Pick change; previously La’El Collins, OT/G, LSU

Commentary:

The Texans could target the wide receiver position in the first round this upcoming April. Andre Johnson won't be on the team much longer, so Houston will have to find a new starting wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins.

12/3/2014: Behind the Steel Curtain (SB Nation)

Pick 13 – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

No pick change

Commentary:

Houston needs to worry about their future at QB. Bill O'Brien drafted Tom Savage in the later rounds and traded for Ryan Mallett, for whom they got two starts before being injured for the remainder of the season before hitting free agency, but with a defense and a running game that can contend now do they have the time to wait? They also need a replacement at WR for Andre Johnson who will be 34 years old next summer and is looking to skip town, not wanting to wait through a rebuilding phase on offense. Also a free agent, Derek Newton has been terrible this season and Houston will likely replace him at some point.

Defensively their front seven appears to be set for the long term but they still have issues in the secondary. Kareem Jackson will be a free agent, so if he leaves they will most likely spend an early round pick on his replacement.

Kevin White has exploded this season out of relative obscurity. He could be a one-year wonder but with the season he is having he could challenge Amari Cooper to be the first WR drafted. He has a lean but muscular build, smooth acceleration, and the strength and tenacity to out-muscle defenders.

What do you think, BRB? Would you be satisfied or angry at any of these potential picks? Sound off below.