[painekiller]

#11

Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Texans will spend a ton of 2011 NFL Draft picks on personnel for Wade Phillips' new 3-4 defense. Their top three needs are rush linebacker, defensive end (five-technique) and nose tackle. Cornerback also will be addressed, but from what I'm told, Houston has "some concerns" about using this selection on Prince Aumukamara.

The best player available of those three aforementioned positions could arguably be Aldon Smith. Some may think this is a bit too early for Smith, but I couldn't disagree more. It's never too early to draft a potential double-digit sack artist. Pass-rushing defensive ends often go earlier than projected.

Smith missed some action this year, which would explain why he had only 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. However, he's a freak of nature and pretty much a lock for the top 15. He has drawn comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul in terms of raw athleticism. The Cowboys have shown interest in him, likening him to DeMarcus Ware. Coincidentally, Ware was chosen with the 11th pick six years ago.

Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:

1. J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan, DE/DT - The Texans want another five-technique, and they'll consider J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan.

2. Prince Amukamara, CB - Prince Amukamara could be the pick if he's available. As I said though, the Texans have "some concerns" about spending back-to-back first-round picks on cornerbacks. They appear focused on upgrading the front seven.

Pick change; previously J.J. Watt, DE/DT

#42

Houston Texans: Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
With Amobi Okoye as their only option, the Texans are in the market for a nose tackle.

Stephen Paea isn't as big as some 3-4 teams would like, but he's the prototypical nose tackle for a Wade Phillips defense. The Texans are getting a steal with Paea; the Combine bench press record-holder would be a first-round pick if it weren't for his knee injury.

#73

Houston Texans: Jarvis Jenkins, DE/DT, Clemson
As mentioned in Round 1, the Texans are looking for numerous 3-4 personnel upgrades, including five-technique. Jarvis Jenkins is a second-round prospect who falls here out of circumstance.

Pick change; previously Chris Carter, DE/OLB

#105

Houston Texans: Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
Despite taking Kareem Jackson in the first round of last year's draft, Houston still must address the cornerback position. Jackson has to improve, while Glover Quin would be better served as the nickel or free safety.

#138

Houston Texans: Ahmad Black, SS, Florida
Bernard Pollard is great in run support, but he's a huge liability in coverage. That's not a good thing if you're trying to beat Peyton Manning twice a year.

#178

Houston Texans: Jerrard Tarrant, S, Georgia Tech
The Texans will be moving Glover Quin to free safety. They'll need an alternative option just in case that doesn't pan out.

Pick change; previously Eric Hagg, S

Not a lot of changes but some. I wish someone would tell this guys that Okoye is not being considered the NT. But I do like Paea in Wade's system.