2013 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Need a No. 2 WR Opposite Andre Johnson

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The Houston Texans don’t only just want another A-List wide receiver to take some heat off of All-Pro Andre Johnson, they need one. They need one to the point of head coach Gary Kubiak setting up a spotlight with a Texans logo pasted in the middle to shine up into the skies for some help.

And the chances are that Texans GM Rick Smith will respond to Kubiak’s plea during the first round of this year’s draft. Yes, the Texans need a little help on the offensive line and on the defensive front-seven, but the odds are that the No. 27 pick will have wide receiver written all over it.

The Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain wrote about the chances of Houston taking a wideout in the first round, “I may end up being wrong – won’t be the first time and certainly not the last – but I have said since the season ended and will continue to say the Texans will draft a receiver in the first round.”

And in thinking about them taking someone at another position? “If that happens, I won’t be surprised. I’ll be shocked.” McClain said.

The question is, who in this draft would be worthy of playing opposite Johnson to keep the Texans from dredging up one of the many aged wide receivers–Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Randy Moss–who are looking for yet another shot with yet another team?

When thinking about who will be available late in the first round, you probably don’t have to eliminate anyone necessarily, as round one in 2013 is certain to be dominated by defensive players and linemen on both sides. That said, it wouldn’t be a safe bet to plan on West Virginia‘s Tavon Austin or USC‘s Robert Woods being available.

California‘s Keenan Allen and Tennessee‘s Justin Hunter are two names that might fall to where the Texans need them, as well as Vols standout Cordarrelle Patterson, who many have ranked as the top wide receiver, but I think will fall to later in the first round. Clemson speedster DeAndre Hopkins would also fit in nicely for the Texans vertical passing game.

Regardless, both Johnson and quarterback Matt Schaub have to be lighting extra candles for the deliverance of a playmaking wide receiver in the 2013 draft.

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Michael Collins is a Rant Sports Senior Writer, and Atlanta sports columnist. Follow him @GaSportsCraze on Twitter and here on Facebook