Don McPeak- USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans need more depth at defensive end. Currently they only have three defensive ends on the roster, Antonio Smith, Jared Crick, and of course J.J. Watt. This gives Houston very limited options if something were to happen to Smith or Watt, their current starters. Crick is currently listed on the depth chart as the backup for Smith at weak side, and no backup is currently listed at strong side behind Watt.
Houston can fix this issue and possibly strike gold in the fourth round by selecting Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier. Lemonier has been overlooked the majority of this last season due to the fact that Auburn just didn’t have a good season but has started to get some more respect and attention after an impressive showing at the NFL combine. Lemonier was named first-team All-SEC last season as a junior.
Lemonoir (6’4″ 255) , is extremely quick for his size and has great strength. He ran an average 4.56 40 and has a broad jump just an inch short of 10 feet. He also has the ability to swat down passes seeing his arms are actually longer than those of other defensive ends in this draft, including 6’8″ Margus Hunt. Lemonier’s arm length is an astonishing 34.5 inches, compared to Hunt”s 33.75 inch arms. The attribute can be a great asset but can give him a lack of stability which hurts him at times.
Lemonoir has an amazing ability to quickly get past the offensive line and into the backfield. He has a lightning fast arm rip and is known to just dip his shoulder and get around the edge. Lemonoir may be taken late third or early fourth round, but if he is available, the Texans need to grab him.
