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Thanks to the trade that jettisoned Brock Osweiler to Cleveland, the Houston Texans had two four round picks in this year’s draft. Here’s a little more information on the picks, Julie’n Davenport and Carlos Watkins.
Round 4 (130) - OT Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell
At 6’7” and 318 pounds, Davenport is thought of more as a developmental project than a guy who could challenge for a starting job in 2017. His standout attribute is his ridiculously long 36.5” arms.
Jayson Braddock, for one, is not a fan of this pick. When asked if he liked the pick...
Not at all, 1st time Houston has reached for need in the draft & it cost them, IMO.
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) April 29, 2017
Developmental prospect that needs tons of work. https://t.co/8gkhCGQv3b
...and some notes on his evaluation of Davenport:
-Plays soft, mostly a "get-in-the-way" OT
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) April 29, 2017
-Vs speed rush he gets out of his element & loses technique
6th round grade w/ upside to develop.
T @judav70 started all 44 games for @Bucknell_FB from 2013-16 and earned First Team All-American honors from 4 different outlets last season pic.twitter.com/jeJ0KZ7uyg
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) April 29, 2017
For additional information on Davenport, check the following links:
NFL.com Draft Profile (by Houston’s own Lance Zierlein)
Round 4 (142) - DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson
The Texans love themselves some Clemson players! Watkins joins defensive linemate D.J. Reader, QB Deshaun Watson, and WR DeAndre Hopkins in Houston. Watkins is 6’3”, 309 pounds of BALLER. I love this pick (almost as I loved the pick of Reader, who predictably also loves the pick, last year)
— Dj Reader (@Djread98) April 29, 2017
Carlos is versatile, projecting to be able to play multiple positions along the defensive line. He isn’t just a solid run defender. He also projects well as an interior pass rusher. Some more thoughts from Braddock...
Rick Smith spoke about seeing Deshaun Watson in person in CFB playoffs:
— Jayson Braddock (@JaysonBraddock) April 29, 2017
Carlos Watkins in those 2 games vs OSU & Bama:
9 tkls 3 TFLs 2 sax
Watkins is likely to have a rookie ceiling of being a rotational player, but really who knows what’s to come in 2017 with J.J. Watt returning? Does Jadeveon Clowney return to the OLB role (which he prefers) or does he continue floating around the line as a DE (a role he does not like, but excelled at?). Whatever the arrangement, Watkins is a great piece for the present and future for the Texans. Barring injury, he’ll be in the mix one way or another.
For additional information on Watkins, check the following links:
NFL.com Profile (by Houston’s own Lance Zierlein)
Alright BRB, let us know what you think about the fourth-round haul for the Texans in the comments section!