Houston Texans 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Nov 2, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) tackles Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver
Jadaveon Clowney, South Carolina
6’5″, 266 LBs
The Player
Clowney is by far the most dominant player in not only this draft, but in the past few years. He is an athletic freak of a player and uses strength, size and speed to dominate the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher and a run defender. He can excel all over the field and in any scheme. There are concerns with Clowney’s health, but if he can stay healthy, he can be a dominant player for his entire career.
The Pick
With the first pick, the Clowney took my first rated player in this draft. While a quarterback would have been a good pick here, no doubt that this pick will be a huge boost to the Texans’ defense.
The Fit
In a 3-4 defense, Clowney has the strength to play as a down lineman, but teams would preferably have that kind of speed playing as a rush linebacker. Now, I am confident that his ability could make an impact from all over the field, but the Texans may prefer to have him playing outside. With Clowney and Watt on the field at the same time, it makes playing against Andrew Luck twice a year a bit easier.
Xavier Su’a Filo, OG, UCLA
6’4″, 307
The Player
Su’a Filo is an athletic guard who has strong hands and great down hill movement. He is still a bit raw, but shows great ability as both a pass blocker and a run blocker.
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Xavier Su
The Pick
Incredible value. Su’a Filo is a top 15 player and my highest rated guard. The Texans add another stud in the trenches. However, it is worrying they are not addressing quarterback yet.
The Fit
Su’a Filo has a very good shot at being an immediate starter in the interior of the offensive line in Houston. Once again, this is a very good selection and an even better player.
CJ Fierdorowiscz, TE, Iowa
6’5″, 265
The Player
Fierdorowiscz is a very good blocker, but to compliment that, he is a sure handed receiver who is a huge target. He was underutilized as a receiver in Iowa, but he has good upside here as he expands his route tree.
The Pick
The is decent value for Fierdorowiscz. Still no quarterback.
The Fit
There is not much standing between Fierdorowiscz and a starting job. He will be a valuable blocker and a reliable safety valve for who ever is throwing him the ball.
Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
Apr 20, 2013; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix (1) gestures before a two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
6’2″, 331 lbs.
The Player
Nix is a large, disruptive nose guard who has incredible quickness for a man of his size. He uses his quickness to not only disrupt the run game, but he also can create pressure in the passing game. Too often pegged as a pure 0 tech space eater, Nix is so much more. Of course, a lot of this is dependent of his knee being healthy.
The Pick
Nix was my seventh overall player and he fell to the middle of the third round. This probably has to do with his knee, but if it is healthy, this is a steal.
The Fit
All dependent on health, Nix could start day one. If so, the Texans would have him playing nose…. next to JJ Watt…… and Jadaveon Clowney…. Oh my.
Tom Savage, QB, Pitt
6’4″, 224 lbs.
The Player
Savage is a big armed, big bodied passer who has the ability to move a bit in the pocket. However, his pocket presence is awful, his accuracy is pretty bad and his mechanics are messy. Not to mention he is 24 years old and hasn’t won a quarterback competition since high school and would have rather transferred than stay and compete for his job.
The Pick
Savage is a huge reach here. He has a host of flaws and it is to be seen how much he can actually develop them.
The Fit
Well, the Texans quarterback situation is a mess so Savage by have a decent shot at starting. If he doesn’t, it is to be seen if he tries to transfer or not.
Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama
6’3″, 310 lbs.
The Player
Pagan is a large, strong player who does a good job occupying blocks and he has a good anchor. He is not a high upside disruptor from the interior, but he is a solid player.
The Pick
Pagan is a bit of a reach here, but he should be a solid player from day one.
The Fit
Pagan could start at 5 tech, therefore solidifying the defensive line for the Texans and boy is it a scary one.
Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn
6’1″, 256 lbs.
The Player
Prosch is a very versatile player who played all over the place at Auburn. He is a decent athlete with good receiving ability and can block very well.
The Pick
With a position like fullback, it is questionable to actually spend a pick on one, but Prosch is a good player.
The Fit
Prosch is probably going to start and he could be used as lead blocker, a receiver out of the back field and an extra blocker.
Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt
5’10”, 188 lbs.
The Player
Hal is a very smart, instinctive corner who is physical in man coverage and is even better in zone where he can flow forward to the ball. However, he is a limited athlete who can get outmuscled by bigger receivers and can get grabby when he is beat. I like his potential, but he needs to add a bit of strength.
The Pick
I am actually a big fan of Hal’s skill set and I think the Texans got a steal.
The Fit
Hal is an immediate impact player on special teams and I think, in time, he could work himself up to being the nickel corner.
Aug 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores cornerback Andre Hal (23) warms up before a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Rebels beat the Commodores 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis
6’3″, 219 lbs.
The Player
Ballentine is a physical freak with size, speed and strength. He looks good playing over the top, but needs to refine coming up closer to the line of scrimmage. He is new to the position and incredibly raw, but he has a lot of talent.
The Pick
When Mr. Irrelevant is a freak like Ballentine, I like that kid of value.
The Fit
Ballentine is a project, but he still could be a very good special teams player.