What will the Houston Texans do when on the board at pick No. 28?
As analysts continue to send out their final mock drafts ahead of next Thursday's draft, it's becoming clear what direction each team is headed with its first-round pick. For Houston, the argument has come between either shoring up the interior pass rush at defensive tackle or bolstering the trenches by going after another offensive lineman.
Earlier this month, CBS Sports Josh Edwards released his seven-round NFL mock draft, including trades and potential options in a trade back for teams if a roster were to move up for a quarterback like Alabama's Ty Simpson.
Yes, guard is important, but so is the strength of the defensive tackle spot. Given that Sheldon Rankins, who signed a two-year deal, is getting up there in age, plus Tommy Togiai is entering a contract season, Edwards has the Texans pivoting over to the defensive side, netting Florida's Caleb Banks as the option at pick No. 28.
"DeMeco Ryans has taken veterans and cast-offs to fill the defensive tackle rotation, but they stand to benefit from identifying fixtures in that role; just as they have with the secondary," Edwards wrote. "Caleb Banks profiles as the type of player who has appealed to San Francisco -- where Ryans previously served as defensive coordinator -- in the past: long and athletic without sacrificing play strength."
Houston has swung and hit on most defensive prospects, including names like Derek Stingley Jr., Will Anderson Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. One thing that general manager Nick Caserio has loved in the past is drafting players from the SEC.
As a talent, Banks has the most upside of any defensive prospect. An elite first step, he pulverizes offensive linemen and excels in the run blocking set. The lone downside? Injuries. Banks hasn't been healthy for two years, including suffering a foot injury during the NFL combine earlier this offseason.
In Houston, Banks would be a two-down rotational option behind Rankins and Togiai entering this season. He would have time to get caught up to speed, learn his role and be a useful player on certain packages. With recent reports stating the injury is severe enough to limit his play early in the year, Banks could slip down draft boards and become an option on Day 2.
Speaking of Days 2 and 3, here's the rest of the picks Edwards had for the Texans:
Round 2, No. 38 - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Round 2, No. 59 - Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
On paper, guard and center feel like more immediate needs in Houston. Selecting names like Rutledge and Burton, however, would be wise if they have time to develop. The Texans must hit on offensive linemen this draft cycle and he seems to be one of the safer options on the market.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans 7-round NFL mock draft: Houston bolsters DL with first two picks