landing their franchise quarterback. It seems they were right in their decision, as
Deshaun Watson was on fire during his time under center in 2017. In his seven starts, he led all of Fantasy in scoring, but a knee injury derailed not only his but the Texans’ season. Now coming back fully healthy, much will be expected from Watson to follow up on last season’s performance. Don’t be shocked to see the hype get so large that Watson is one of the first QBs off the board during Fantasy drafts. If he avoids the injury bug, Watson should easily return Top 6 QB value in 2018.
As for the Texans backfield, we have a somewhat muddied situation. Lamar Miller is the starter by default at the moment. But reports have suggested that the team could part ways with Miller to clear cap space. The Texans really like D’Onta Foreman, but he is recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in December and may not be ready to go by Week 1. Foreman is the player with the highest upside, and the guy to own in this backfield. But with the uncertainty on his health, Miller assumes the role as the lead back. Miller is a back that you can get as an RB3 in drafts, but know there is little upside to him as his days as the starter are numbered.
In the receiving core, it’s the DeAndre Hopkins show. He is a target monster and will undoubtedly be the second receiver off the board in drafts this year. Outside of Hopkins, Will Fuller is a big-play threat waiting to happen but is not reliable in PPR formats. Besides the starters, the Texans could look at another receiver in the draft as well as adding an impact tight end to this offense.
#Texans GM Brian Gaine on how he approaches trades during the draft. #NFL@FOX26Houstonpic.twitter.com/xhbrKKZn0R
— Danny Mata (@DannyMataJr) April 20, 2018
Team Needs: OT, TE, CB
Projected Top Three Picks
Third Round: Anthony Miller, WR Memphis
Joseph Noteboom, OT TCU
Jaylen Samuels, TE N.C. State
Anthony Miller will be a steal for the Texans if he makes it to round three. He immediately fills a need for this offense as a steady producer out of the slot. He can outwork the defender across from him and his quick first steps allow Miller to get open very easily. Miller’s biggest strength is his ability to create yards after the catch. He works well creating throwing lanes for a scrambling quarterback, which only helps Deshaun Watson. Miller will be an intriguing Fantasy player to keep an eye on late in PPR formats.
Joseph Noteboom will help solidify the Texans offensive line with his plus technique and hands. Noteboom’s play can be inconsistent at times, which has affected his draft stock, but if he gets that under control he can be a solid starter. If he can apply the consistency to his NFL frame and technique, Noteboom will be an immediate help to the Texans’ running game.
Jaylen Samuels will be used as a hybrid tight end in this offense. Samuels doesn’t possess much in terms of blocking skills, but his ability as a pass-catcher is hard to ignore. He is too big to be covered by corners yet can separate from linebackers inside. Samuels could be the type of player that presents matchup problems for a defense. Samuels may wind up being a tight end to keep an eye on from the waiver wire in Fantasy this year. The Texans like to utilize the position and he could have late value.
Anthony Miller Featured Image: (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
