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2015 NFL Draft: Too-Early Houston Texans 7-Round Mock

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Draft: Houston Texans' Early 7-Round Mock

JJ Watt Houston Texans
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Despite going through four quarterbacks and having limited production from No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney, the Houston Texans narrowly missed the playoffs. A 9-7 finish is certainly an improvement over a 2013 campaign which saw the team lose 14 games in a row, but there are still several questions that must be answered. Who will be the QB in 2015? Will Clowney bounce back from injury? Here's a look at how the team may approach the draft.

Round 1: Shaq Thompson (OLB-Washington)

Shaq Thompson Washington
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: Shaq Thompson (OLB-Washington)

Shaq Thompson Washington
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Even if a QB is at the top of the Texans' wish list, there won't be one worth taking with the 16th pick. Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston will be off the board, and this is too early to select Brett Hundley. Instead, Houston needs to take the best player available. Shaq Thompson is a turnover machine. Like J.J. Watt, Thompson knows how to score as well. He returned three fumbles and an interception for a touchdown this season.

Round 2: Derron Smith (FS-Fresno State)

Derron Smith Fresno State
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Derron Smith (FS-Fresno State)

Derron Smith Fresno State
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Once Alabama's Landon Collins is drafted, Derron Smith will be the best safety available. With Kendrick Lewis and Danieal Manning entering free agency, the free safety position will need to be addressed. Smith would fit right in on the league's best defense in terms of creating turnovers. Entering this season, Smith led all FBS defenders with 14 career interceptions. He doesn't have great size but plays physical against the pass and the run.

Round 3: Jake Fisher (OT-Oregon)

Jake Fisher Oregon
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Jake Fisher (OT-Oregon)

Jake Fisher Oregon
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

I have Jake Fisher rated as a mid-third round pick, which is where the Texans would be drafting him in this mock. However, the Oregon offensive line was completely overmatched in the two games Fisher missed. The line improved so much when he returned that at least one team will probably rate him much higher. If that doesn't happen, he will be a great option for the Texans in Round 3 and would slide back to his natural right tackle position.

Round 4: David Cobb (RB-Minnesota)

David Cobb Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: David Cobb (RB-Minnesota)

David Cobb Minnesota
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans need to start looking for a long-term solution at RB. Arian Foster has missed 11 games over the last two seasons and can no longer be expected to carry the load. David Cobb is one of the most underrated backs in this draft class. Against Bill O'Brien's Penn State squad in 2013, Cobb finished with 169 total yards in a Minnesota win. O'Brien has seen what Cobb can do and would be smart to join forces with the Minnesota back in the NFL.

Round 5: Phillip Dorsett (WR-Miami)

Phillip Dorsett Miami
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: Phillip Dorsett (WR-Miami)

Phillip Dorsett Miami
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Whoever wins the QB job in 2015 is going to need some weapons to throw the ball to. Houston has a solid pair of receivers in Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, but the team needs someone in the slot. Phillip Dorsett would be an immediate upgrade over Damaris Johnson and Keshawn Martin. Dorsett is one of the fastest receivers in the draft and would take some of the pressure off the outside receivers.

Round 6: Damian Swann (CB-Georgia)

Damian Swann Georgia
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6: Damian Swann (CB-Georgia)

Damian Swann Georgia
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As Georgia's top corner, Swann has matched up against some of the best wideouts in college football. Top prospects Amari Cooper, DeVante Parker and Sammie Coates, along with NFL receivers Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. are just some of the players Swann has had to cover. Although he struggles at times, Swann has played well enough to warrant a Day 3 selection. He shouldn't be brought in to start right away, but he provides depth at CB.

Round 7: Jordan Taylor (WR-Rice)

Jordan Taylor Rice
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7: Jordan Taylor (WR-Rice)

Jordan Taylor Rice
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Houston stays in the state of Texas to finish the draft. Jordan Taylor is a 6-foot-5 receiver who has above-average speed. He won't take a starting job from Hopkins or Johnson, but he has a great chance to make the roster. He did suffer a foot injury early in the season, but it isn't expected to throw up a red flag. His last chance to impress NFL teams on the field will be in the East-West Shrine Game.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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