2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

The first, second, third, and fourth priority in the draft for the Texans is to bolster their offensive line to protect Deshaun Watson. They’ve struggled to protect Watson, with the young quarterback being sacked a league-high 62 times last season despite his mobility in the pocket.

Watson has already suffered one devastating knee injury early in his career. Houston’s future revolves around his health, and they have to do whatever it takes to keep him healthy.

The best offensive lineman on the board is NC State’s Garrett Bradbury, and he might be the most pro ready offensive lineman in this class. He’s a versatile prospect who could play any of the interior spots on the line.

He was a big winner at the combine last month, showcasing his elite athleticism for his size. He ran a 4.92 40-yard-dash at 306 pounds, which was the fastest among offensive lineman this year. He also surpassed 30-inches on his vertical, and finished second in his position group with 34 reps on the bench press. Not many players boosted their stock more than he did, sealing his spot as a first round prospect.

Houston needs to avoid the temptation of drafting a defensive back, though it will be tempting after seeing Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson leave in free agency. Talented safeties like Florida’s Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Delaware’s Nasir Adderley could be tough to pass on, but as long as a quality lineman like Bradbury is available, going in another direction would make little sense.