Deshaun Watson poses for photographs after being selected by the Houston Texans as the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater in Philadelphia, PA on April 27, 2017.Photo by Derik Hamilton/UPI |
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HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans' roster features four former Clemson standouts.
The latest to join the AFC South champions is former Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins, who was picked in the fourth round after the Texans drafted Clemson All-America quarterback Deshaun Watson in the first round.
The Texans drafted starting nose tackle D.J. Reader in the fifth round last year and already have Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the team.
"It's really a blessing to play with those guys again," Watkins said. "It'll be great playing with those guys again. D.J.'s my big bro."
Watkins has excellent size at 6-foot-3, 309 pounds. He had 192 career tackles, 26 tackles for losses and 14 sacks. That includes a career-high 10.5 sacks and 82 tackles last season for the national champions.
How the Texans drafted:
Round 1/12 -- Deshaun Watson, QB, 6-2, 221 Clemson
Dual-threat quarterback will be groomed behind current starter Tom Savage for future starting role. Needs time to adjust from running spread offense in college.
Round 2/57 -- Zach Cunningham, LB, 6-3, 234 Vanderbilt
Athletic linebacker was prolific, but also missed a lot of tacklez. Had zero interceptions. Could back up Brian Cushing until he's ready to go. Needs to get stronger.
Round 3/89 -- D'Onta Foreman, RB, 6-0, 233, Texas
Downhill runner with power and speed working in his favor. Should complement Lamar Miller well as change-of-pace back and provide red-zone push.
Round 4/130 -- Julie'n Davenport, T, 6-8, 317, Bucknell
Massive tackle has biggest wingpsan in the draft. Worked out privately for line coach Mike Devlin prior to the draft. Raw prospect from smaller level of football, but could have enough upside to take over right tackle spot.
Round 4/142 -- Carlos Watkins, DT, 6-3, 309, Clemson
Two-gapping nose tackle has ability to penetrate backfield and can play defensive end in 3-4 scheme. Had 10.5 sacks last season for national champs.
Round 5/169 -- Treston Decoud, CB, 6-2, 206, Oregon State
Hard hitting press coverage corner could get a look at safety due to size and hitting ability. Not that fast, but uses his hands and feet well in coverage.
Round 7/243 -- Kyle Fuller, C/G, 6-5, 307, Baylor
Has the size and technique, but is a limited athlete. Team intends to give him a look at guard, too.