2017 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft

The Houston Texans look to stack some talent for a third-straight AFC title run in this seven round mock of the 2017 NFL Draft

After pulling off one of the most surprising moves in years the Houston Texans hope to keep their good fortune going in the 2017 NFL Draft as they try to defend back-to-back AFC South titles. Last offseason they were the talk of free agency after coming to terms with free agent quarterback Brock Osweiler on a four-year deal worth $72 million —$37 million of which was guaranteed.

They then became the talk of the season because of how poorly Osweiler played. He was eventually benched for former fourth-round pick Tom Savage, but got back in for the post season due to Savage being injured. It appeared that despite his benching the team was stuck with the under-performer thanks to his massive guarantees, but then they were able to trade him away to the Cleveland Browns in an essential salary dump.

The trade cost them a second round pick, but that won't be until the 2018 season. That means they are free of some cap room to pursue a veteran player and they also have their full bevy of draft picks this season.

There are some holes to fill thanks to not only the departure of Osweiler, but the Texans also lost cornerback A.J. Bouye, starting safety Quintin Demps, and rotational pass rusher John Simon in free agency. We try to fill these holes while also looking for the best talent available in this full seven-round mock draft.

Oct 15, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) passes against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, Pick 25: Patrick Mahomes II, QB — Texas Tech

The Houston Texans quarterback depth chart consists of Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden. The only other option being hurled around is signing veteran Tony Romo if the Dallas Cowboys ever do cut him. That means that they will potentially have two guys who are less than average, or a 37-year-old who has had multiple back surgeries and hasn't completed a full season in two years.

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Simply put, the Texans have to draft a quarterback and it needs to be done as soon as possible. Last season, they could have had Paxton Lynch in Round 1, but they felt like Osweiler was the better option. This season there is no misguided hope in a savior so they grab the best guy they can at pick No. 25: Patrick Mahomes II of Texas Tech.

The knock on Mahomes is that he played in an air-raid offense, which is why he went for 5,052 yards in 2016 after going for 4,653 the year before. Mahomes also had 77 touchdown passes during that span, while adding 22 more on the ground.

He has the skills to play, despite being in an air-raid offense, and would be a perfect player to groom behind a veteran like Romo. Should they fail to get the veteran passer, Mahomes could possibly beat out Savage and Weeden for the starting job in Year 1.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2, Pick 57: Dalvin Tomlinson, Dt — Alabama

For the past two seasons the middle of the Houston Texans defensive line has been manned by the incredibly large Vince Wilfork. The 325-pounder (well, he's listed at 325, but looks closer to 350 or more) is currently a free agent and is in no rush at all to decide his future, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

While retirement is the likeliest scenario, Houston cannot sit around and hope Wilfork changes his mind. Instead they need to find a bug run stuffer to take his place. One option is Wilfork's backup from a season ago, D.J. Reader. The rookie from Clemson played well when on the field, but nothing says he is ready for such a big role, so reinforcements could be brought in.

One such player could be Dalvin Tomlinson from Alabama. The 310-pound Tomlinson played for head coach Nick Saban, a former NFL guy who is a defensive guru and recorded 62 tackles in the middle of their 3-4 defensive front. He could compete with Reader for the starting spot immediately.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC USC Trojans offensive tackle Chad Wheeler (72) in action during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3, Pick 89: Chad Wheeler, OL — USC

After last season, the Houston Texans have to feel like they need to find some offensive line help in the 2017 NFL Draft. In 2016, they addressed the line with their second-round pick, grabbing Notre Dame center Nick Martin. He never played a down for them as an ankle injury sent him to IR before his season ever began.

From there the injury bug only got worse. Starting left tackle Duane Brown was in-and-out of the lineup for them with nagging injuries and right tackle Derek Newton tore the patellar tendon in each one of his knees. It wouldn't be a shocker to see them go for a player to help in that area even earlier especially given the question surrounding Newton's return. However, with how the chips fall, they wait until Round 3 where they grab Chad Wheeler from USC, a versatile lineman who can play any position—but it's still not sure which he is best suited for as mentioned by Lance Zierlein of the NFL.com:

At 6-7 and 306 pounds, it seems like Wheeler is best suited for the tackle spot. His bench press of just 15 reps supports that theory as he may not have the power to stay inside against bigger defensive linemen.

Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4, Pick 131: Corey Clement, RB — Wisconsin

After getting a quarterback with their first round pick—finally—and a big lineman for each side of the ball, the Houston Texans get a skill position with their fourth round pick. The player they grab is Wisconsin running back Corey Clement.

Clement had some issues with durability as well, as rumors that he wore thin on people during his time with the Badgers have circulated. While he addresses those issues of Clements, Brady Lunt of NFL Mocks also highlights the traits that make Clements an intriguing prospect:

In 2016, Clement ran for 1,375 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has the size at 5-10 and 220 pounds to be the bruiser behind star running back Lamar Miller.

Jan 21, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; American defensive back Lorenzo Jerome of St. Francis (PA) 22 poses with the most valuable trophy during the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. The National team defeated the American team 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4, Pick 142: Lorenzo Jerome, S — St. Francis (PA)

The Houston Texans lost a really good player when the Chicago Bears signed safety Quintin Demps during the first wave of free agency. Demps was a monster in 2016 with six interceptions and 55 tackles and was able to parlay that into a deal early on in free agency. Now Houston needs to find someone to challenge for his position.

The hope will be that 2016 fifth-round pick K.J. Dillon will be ready to step up. They will need a backup plan as well, so they use their second fourth-round selection on Lorenzo Jerome from St. Francis in Pennsylvania.

Jerome had an impressive 18 interceptions to his name, but that of course can be shrugged off by many due to the lack of talent he played against. Jerome played in the Northeast Conference and could be the first player from St. Francis to make an NFL roster since 1952, according to Justin Melo of Draft Breakdown.

He performed well at the Senior Bowl which made it appear that he would quit flying under the radar. He then had a poor outing at the combine which included a 4.70-second time in the 40-yard dash and just 11 reps on the bench press.

Questions about his speed will of course come up, but Jerome has all the instincts to play the position and even showed skill as a kick returner. He may need some time to season, but can wind up being a solid player.

Oct 24, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Carroll Phillips (6) celebrates after sacking Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave (2) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5, Pick 169: Carroll Phillips, DE/OLB — Illinois

The most productive outside linebacker over the past two seasons for the Houston Texans has been Whitney Mercilus, a first round pick in 2012 out of Illinois. Five years later they return to well and try to find another pass rusher from the fighting Illini—albeit this time in the fifth round as they snatch up Carroll Phillips.

The defensive end/outside linebacking prospect weighed in 243 pounds and stands 6-3 according to his combine measurements. He also managed 23 reps in the bench press and had a 4.64-second time in the 40-yard dash. None of his numbers were eye-popping, but he was above average in all of the drills, which makes him a decent player to take a flier on in the late rounds.

Phillips had nine sacks in his junior season, which was his lone season as a starter. He had just three sacks in his reserve role the prior two seasons and is making the jump to the pros after his one breakout year. There are questions though about how his skill as a pass rusher translates which, in addition to his lack of production for two-thirds of his career, has him on the board still this late. He could develop into a decent rotational piece, like they just lost in John Simon who joined the Indianapolis Colts.

Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Chad Williams of Grambling State (84) catches a pass against cornerback Ezra Robinson of Tennessee St. (31) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7, Pick 243: Ezra Robinson, CB — Tennessee State

The Texans final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft is used to get a little more help in their secondary, which they can use after losing A.J. Bouye in the first wave of free agency. The good news is, Bouye only was able to shine last season due to injury, which means the Texans have guys who they already considered their key pieces.

Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson were the Day 1 starters, and 2015 first-round pick Kevin Johnson was their third corner before going to IR in his second season. Those three guys are still under contract, so anyone they bring in at the position will be for depth purposes only.

The player they choose for that depth here is Ezra Robinson, a cornerback from Tennessee State. Robinson measured in at 5-11 and 189 pounds at the combine and put up an impressive 4.47-second time on the 40-yard dash. He also had a 130-inch broad jump which displayed his athleticism.

Robinson started his career at Michigan State, but transferred to Tennessee State in the Ohio Valley Conference. There he showed above-average athleticism and instincts—but shied away from contact. That coupled with his exile from the competition at Michigan State makes him a late round choice, despite his skills. Could be a boom or bust player, but with such a late pick, he is worth a gamble.