Football Memo

AFC South Draft Grades: Houston Texans

Jadeveon Clowney is clearly the top-rated defensive end in the 2014 draft.

Jadeveon Clowney is clearly the top-rated defensive end in the 2014 draft.

Houston Texans
Analysis:
The Texans made Jadeveon Clowney the No. 1 overall selection Thursday in hopes he can become a transcendent performer. Clowney has the physical attributes to change how teams prepare for the Texans. With their next two selections, Houston upgraded the interior offensive line, and tight end positions. Xavier Su’a-Filo will likely settle in at guard and should improve an already solid offensive line. Despite not being a big-play tight end, C.J. Fiedorowicz will contribute in both the passing and running games. He’s a great blocker, and a refined route runner with great hands. What turned the Texans draft from very good to great was the selection of nose tackle, Louis Nix III late in the third round and quarterback Tom Savage in the fourth. Nix III is a first-round talent and makes that defensive line scary. The Texans put the cherry on top by grabbing quarterback Savage with the 135th selection. Savage has the tools head coach Bill O’Brien is looking for in a franchise quarterback. He’s big, tough and has a strong arm. In a few seasons, it wouldn’t shock me if Savage is the best rookie in this class. This looks like a good fit for both Savage and the Texans. Houston rounded out the draft by upgrading the offensive and defensive backfields.
Grade: A

Houston Texans – 2014 Draft Selections
1 (1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
2 (33) Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA
3 (65) C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
3 (84) Louis Nix III, DT/NT, Notre Dame
4 (135) Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh
6 (177) Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama
6 (181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU
6 (211) Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn
7 (216) Dre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt
7 (256) Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis

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