Houston Texans 2013 NFL Draft Review

DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins is as good as the Texans thought he was, snatching passes and running routes in mini camp and OTAs. They are counting on Hopkins to have a productive rookie year and take pressure off Andre Johnson. He plays with the confidence of a veteran and possesses exceptional ball skills. Electric and dynamic in his play, he is a natural hand catcher who also returns punts. He plays fast and can separate and create space. Hopkins has the talent to provide early impact play for the Texans. DJ Swearinger has taken advantage of Ed Reed’s injury absence and is getting numerous reps to learn the safety position. He has impressed his new teammates and coaches with his off field study and on field application of what he learns. He has good instincts and the ability to anticipate with quick reactions. Explosive and physical in his play, he has corner skills as a safety and plays fast. Brennan Williams suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder prior to the draft. During the rookie mini camp he had a “non surgical knee injury”. An opportunity was lost because Derek Newton, the incumbent starter at right tackle, is absent from OTAs due to knee surgery. Williams has long arms and big hands to go with his NFL caliber frame. Physical and aggressive, he plays with a good base, knee bend, and mirror in pass protection. Sam Montgomery is getting work at outside linebacker after playing down in a four man front at LSU. He plays low and with leverage. A good effort player, he rushes the passer with good hand and foot coordination and hustles on the field. He has excellent lateral quickness. A relentless competitor, he causes hurries and pressure even when he doesn’t get a sack. Trevardo Williams is playing opposite Montgomery at the right outside linebacker spot. He played end in a four man front but is a good fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Over his career he has been productive with 30.5 sacks, a school record. He shows good use of hands, speed, and quickness to adjust on the move. Once he beats the blocker he has a burst to the quarterback. A good downhill player, he finishes pursuit. David Quessenberry played right tackle after Williams went out with his injury and didn’t look out of place. He is a five for one player with position versatility. A knee bender, he plays with a good base. He has a nasty and competitive streak. Athletic enough to pull and trap, he has long arms and big hands. In college he played left tackle and guard. Alan Bonner caught 50 passes for 859 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging 17.5 yards per reception. He has also returned punts and kickoffs in his career, but is not unique. Shorter than ideal for the position, he has fringe speed and is a likely practice squad candidate. Chris Jones is undersized for a nose tackle in most 3-4 schemes but Wade Phillips moves the inside players around like chess pieces. Jones will rarely take on double and triple teams. He will be more of a penetrator type. Jones was the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year after recording 42 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks. He is strong with good short area quickness. Ryan Griffin is a good sized (6057, 254) tight end who needs work on his inline blocking. Last fall he caught 29 passes for 484 yards and six touchdowns. For his career he caught 116 passes and ten touchdowns. A developmental player, he has a chance to make the roster if he improves his core strength and blocking. GRADE: GOOD.

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