(SportsRadio 610) - If the Texans want to draft an offensive lineman in this month's draft, the best of them won't be available for very long.
Houston currently holds the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, though general manager Nick Caserio has been open about his willingness to trade back for additional picks. The Texans also acquired the No. 13 overall pick by trading quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns last month.
So, the debate is whether the Texans should consider drafting a lineman at No. 3 overall. Alabama's Evan Neal and North Carolina State's Ikem Ekwonu are considered the best linemen available. Both are projected as tackles with the ability to play guard, the latter of which is a significant and immediate need in Houston.
The Texans future at tackle is also uncertain, with Tytus Howard being switched back and forth between tackle and guard as his fifth-year option comes up, and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil having just two more years left on his contract.
Former Pro Bowl left guard Wade Smith joined Clint Stoerner on Tuesday and said offensive line should be a priority in this draft. Smith also explained why he would choose Ekwonu over Neal.
"What he does on the second level, I think it separates himself," Smith said. "His athleticism, his ability to locate linebackers and (defensive backs) on the second level and finish those blocks and continue to find work after he finishes the first block. He's at a level, it reminds me of (San Francisco 49ers) offensive lineman Trent Williams. When he's on the second level, he's that nasty, he's that athletic, he's that tenacious. Those are the qualities you look for, a guy that wants to finish people at the second level, he has that."
