With The First Pick
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NFL Power Rankings: Post-NFL Draft Edition

By Jon Dove

Feb 6, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick speaks during the Super Bowl LI winning team press conference flanked by the Lombardi Trophy at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick speaks during the Super Bowl LI winning team press conference flanked by the Lombardi Trophy at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and Texans first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (middle left) and vice chairman D. Cal McNair (middle right) and head coach Bill O’Brien (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith (left) and Texans first round draft pick Deshaun Watson (middle left) and vice chairman D. Cal McNair (middle right) and head coach Bill O’Brien (right) pose for a picture during a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Houston Texans

Key Additions: Deshaun Watson, Zach Cunningham, D’Onta Foreman, Julien Davenport and Carlos Watkins

Key Losses: A.J. Bouye, John Simon, Quintin Demps

Deshaun Watson has his warts and will have his share of struggles early in his career. However, he has tons of natural ability and is a proven winner. Bill O’Brien will be asked to develop a game plan that protects his young quarterback, but also provides him the freedom to make plays.

Obviously, I feel that it won’t be long until Watson takes the starting job away from Tom Savage. Waston is just too talented and strong willed to sit on the bench for long.

The offense still has a lot of weapons with DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Braxton Miller and Lamar Miller. Drafting the powerful D’Onta Foreman was an underrated move and should help keep Miller fresh.

Concerns will arise regarding the stability of the offensive line. They have a hole at right tackle where Derek Newton is still recovering from duel knee injuries. This unit as a hole doesn’t have a ton of depth which leaves little room for error.

The Texans identity still comes the defensive side of the ball. This team has a tone of talent up front with J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus wreaking havoc in the backfield. They need to replace A.J. Bouye, but have enough cornerback depth to deal.

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