Going Deep in 2017 NFL Draft: QB Nathan Peterman among Houston Texans' picks

The Houston Texans have seven picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 25 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

In a strange offseason, the Texans cut the cord with quarterback Brock Osweiler, and gave the Browns a second-round pick to get his contract off the books. The question now, however, is who will be under center when the 2017 season begins, and if a quarterback will be selected early in the draft.

The Texans were hoping Tony Romo would be the answer; now it could be Tom Savage or a rookie. While Houston has the 25th pick in the first round, sometimes it's best to get a quarterback later, or even in the second round.

With cornerback A.J. Bouye departed in free agency, the draft will likely yield help there and at other positions, considering the Texans are the only NFL team that didn't sign any players in free agency.

Here is a look at the Texans five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 . .2013 . .2014 . .2015 . .2016

TOTAL PICKS . . . .8 . . . . . .9 . . . .10 . . . . .7 . . . .6

STARTERS . . . . . .1 . . . . . .1 . . . . .5 . . . . .2 . . . .4

BACKUPS . . . . . .0 . . . . . .1 . . . . .3 . . . . .4 . . . .2

OTHER TEAMS . . .5 . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . . .1 . . . .0

OUT OF LEAGUE . .2 . . . . .6 . . . . .1 . . . . .0 . . .0

Top three draft needs

1. Quarterback: Remains the top need for a struggling offense that unloaded an ineffective Brock Osweiler and his $72 million contract in a trade to the Browns. The Texans are expected to draft a quarterback and make a run at Dallas Cowboys veteran Tony Romo, at some point. For now, their top option under center is Tom Savage.

2. Defensive back: The Texans lost starters A.J. Bouye and Quintin Demps during free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears, respectively. Bouye emerged as a shutdown corner last season. Demps led all safeties with six interceptions. Replacing them will likely involve cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and Johnathan Joseph getting healthier and likely drafting a few defensive backs.

3. Tackle: The offensive line, especially right tackle, is a vulnerable area. It's dangerously thin with Derek Newton not expected back this season after tearing both patellar tendons last season. Chris Clark was not good as his replacement. The Texans are evaluating several college tackles, including Utah's Garett Bolles and Alabama's Cam Robinson and are likely to draft a tackle at some point. They could also use help at guard. Neither Xavier Su'a-Filo or Jeff Allen was particularly stout last season.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is a list of every pick for the Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler. Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

Round and overall pick number listed, along with player, position, school, height, weight and 40-yard dash time. (* - indicates compensatory pick)

1/25: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin (6-6, 310, 5.10)

2/57: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh (6-2, 226, 4.82)

3/89: Desmond King, CB/S, Iowa (5-10, 201, 4.55)

4/131: Jayon Brown, LB, UCLA (6-0, 231, 4.56)

4/*142: Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina (6-4, 221, 4.53)

5/169: Elijah Qualls, DL, Washington (6-1, 313, 5.13)

7/243: Jordan Evans, LB, Oklahoma (6-3, 232, 4.60)

Now it's your turn. NFLDraftScout.com is ready to help with its list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

--Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.