2012 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans Select TE To Add To Potent Offense

By Bryan Gibberman Apr 21, 2012, 9:00am MST

With the 26th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

My first thought with the Houston Texans was to go with a wide receiver here. Stephen Hill and Rueben Randle, both potential first round picks are still on the board. At this point there is just too much depth at that position and it can be addressed later in the draft.

Houston lost an important part of their offense in back-up tight end Joel Dressen. Dressen was a versatile blocking TE, but also could help in the pass game. His importance was increased because Owen Daniels only played 19 games total in 2009 and 2010 combined. The #1 tight end Coby Fleener from Stanford is still on the board and he can't be passed up on at this point in the draft.

Fleener gives Matt Schaub another option in the pass game and takes pressure off Andre Johnson. The Texans follow the Patriots blueprint with two dangerous pass catching tight ends that can give you fits.

The New England Patriots are now on the clock. Jess Root will make the selection.

Previous Picks:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10. Buffalo Bills: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College