2019 NFL mock draft: Houston Texans select Andre Dillard

For the first time in a long time, there is real optimism in Houston. Though they suffered another wild card loss last year, their arduous search for a franchise quarterback may finally be over. Deshaun Watson led the Texans to their second best record in franchise history (11-5).

Are the Texans on the verge of taking that next step or will they continue to fail to get over the hump. If Pride of Detroit commenter Lead Hunter has anything to do with it, the Texans will be contenders immediately. In our Community Mock Draft, Lead Hunter is the Texans general manager. With the 23rd pick in our POD Community Mock, the Texans have selected offensive tackle Andre Dillard.

Here is Lead Hunter with the explanation:

“The Houston Texans are in need of starting talent on the offensive line and the secondary. The team went out in free agency and signed safety Tashaun Gipson, and cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Briean Boddy-Calhoun to help out the secondary for the short term but can use long-term solutions. The Texans also signed OT Matt Kalil for a short-term fix but that has been it for the offensive line. With one signing for the offensive line, and the fact that third-year quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked a staggering 65 times last year, I want to focus on finding some help to keep Watson upright.

The current offensive tackles are Julie’n Davenport, who allowed six sacks in 12 games at left tackle and five sacks at right tackle, Martinas Rankin, who allowed five sacks in three games at left tackle, Matt Kalil who is coming off re-injuring his surgically repaired knee in September 2019 and Seantrel Henderson who has played in nine games in three years and done nothing of note. This group of players does not scream, “Protect the QB!”

Drafting OT Andre Dillard from Washington State improves this offensive line instantly. Dillard is a four-year starter at LT, is very athletic and has prototypical size for LT. He has high football IQ and comes from a program that passed the ball a lot. He needs to be more aggressive as a blocker and improve his run blocking, but with some coaching these weaknesses can be greatly improved. I have no doubt that Dillard will start day one for the Texans and help keep Watson upright.”

Catch up on all of the picks with our Community Mock Draft Tracker