/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45222344/usa-today-8319454.0.jpg)
Mel Kiper has released his first mock draft of the offseason; you can find it here if you want to see who he has every team taking in the first round. Or, if you're a Houston Texans fan, you can simply read his analysis below.
16. Trae Waynes (CB--Michigan State)
Analysis: The Texans did a relatively good job defending the pass this year, but that started up front. They benefit so much from what J.J. Watt does to opposing QBs that it conceals the fact they could use help at cornerback. Waynes will grade out as the best cover corner in the draft for many teams, and he also offers something pretty much everybody covets at the position, which is length. Waynes is also a good zone defender, and while he's lean, he is above average in run support. He has good ball skills and really does a good job of tracking the ball. He's a player who can help turn what should be a really good defensive line's pressure into more turnovers.
I have no problem with the Texans taking "the best cover corner in the draft" with their first round pick. Even if the Texans re-sign Kareem Jackson and retain Johnathan Joseph, another corner is a smart long-term play, especially if Waynes is the top player on Houston's draft board when they go on the clock. A.J. Bouye and the rest of Houston's young defensive backs flashed periodically throughout 2014, but I wouldn't say any of them showed so much that you'd remove the secondary from consideration in the first round.
Your thoughts?