Start from the beginning: Detroit Lions
Previous Pick: New Orleans Saints
15. Houston Texans
-Peria Jerry (DT/Ole Miss)
- NFL.com
Houston is my kind of team. They give a concerted effort in developing the best defensive line possible. In 2004, it was DE Jason Babin. 2005, DT Travis Johnson. In 2006, they chose Mario Williams over Vince Young and Reggie Bush, which at the time I thought was really dumb. 2007, they drafted Amobi Okoye, the defensive tackle from Louisville. This season, they might go for yet another defensive lineman with their first choice: Peria Jerry.
Peria is loads of fun to watch on Saturdays because he gives his all on every play. He pushes, rips, and shoves to reach the quarterback. During the Senior Bowl, he was getting about as much buzz as B.J. Raji. Teams weren’t especially impressed with his jelly stomach, but he truly possesses a great deal of functional strength.
Despite the focus on the defensive line, Houston only produced 25 sacks (27th in the league)-12 of which came from Mario Williams alone. The next best pass rusher last season produced only 4 sacks.
I like the signing of ex-Cardinal Antonio Smith to upgrade the pass rush. But another prolific rusher inside couldn’t hurt.
The only reason I believe that Jerry could fall this far is because he is injury-prone. But at #15, he offers considerable value.
-Vontae Davis (CB/Illinois)
- NFL.com
Potentially the most athletically gifted cornerback in the draft, Vontae Davis might be too good to pass up, especially if Peria Jerry isn’t available. Basically every move the Texans make centers round shutting down the passing game. Playing the Colts multiple times a year will do that to a team. So, in the interest of making Peyton Manning’s life harder, Houston might draft a corner to bump Jacques Reeves to the nickel slot.
Next on the clock: San Diego Chargers
If you think I am overlooking a possibility here, I’d love to hear back from you!
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I don’t know much about Jerry, but this could certainly be an option for the Texans if the top defensive ends and outside linebackers (i.e. Cushing) are all gone at that point.
Oh, he is fantastic!
Really a high effort guy who is extremely strong. I liked your addition of Rashad Jennings in there. He is a solid running back who would complement Slaton well.