2016 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans take Josh Doctson

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

The Houston Texans should be the AFC team of every Eagles fan. Why? Well, there are two reasons. First, we share a mutual abhorrence for that other Texas team. The enemy of your enemy is your friend, right? Second, it seems as if the Eagles have had tons of success signing former Texans. I’m looking at you Connor Barwin, Demeco Ryans, and hopefully Brandon Brooks.

I think the Texans are the team I’d most like to see the Eagles play in the Super Bowl next year. Despite the demolition they experienced vs. the Chiefs in the playoffs, I think they are closer than many people think to a deep playoff run. They have a quality coach in Bill O’Brien and a defense that has enough talent around J.J. Watt to be very good. The one thing they lacked last year? Any sort of a competent offense. With the offseason additions of Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, I believe the Texans offense is already much more respectable than it was a season ago. However, though DeAndre Hopkins has quickly become an elite receiver, the Texans lack a quality second receiving option. Maybe Jaelen Strong can turn into something. However, with DT Sheldon Rankins (my #1 option for the Texans) already off the board in this mock, Strong should not stop the Texans from using the 22^nd pick on who they believe is the best available receiver.

Enter Josh Doctson. In my mind, Doctson has jumped Laquan Treadwell as the best WR in this year’s draft. At 6’2, Doctson has above average height for a receiver and can easily build muscle on his frame of 202 lbs. In addition to solid size, Doctson possesses outstanding athleticism, as his 41-inch vertical and 131-inch broad jump ranked tied for first and second respectively at the NFL combine. Because of this, I think Doctson excels most in jump ball red-zone situations. Imagine this type of athlete opposite DeAndre Hopkins in the red-zone with a competent quarterback. Lethal.

Where I think Josh Doctson really distinguishes himself from Treadwell is in his ability to create separation from defensive backs. While this is an area of concern for Treadwell, it should not be an issue for Doctson. Look at the separation Doctson creates on this deep route. With an earlier and deeper throw from the QB, this play might have been a touchdown despite the safety help.

Despite the above, Josh Doctson is not a perfect WR prospect. He can struggle with blocking and does not have as refined route running as other receivers in the draft. However, there is no Amari Cooper, Sammy Watkins, or Odell Beckham Jr. in this year’s draft. All of the consensus top guys (Doctson, Treadwell, Coleman) have their individual flaws that will push them further down in the first than the top receivers in previous years. In my mind though, Doctson possesses the highest-level upside of any receiver in this draft. With refined routes and improved blocking he can become an outstanding player. From day 1, Doctson will be a formidable second option for Brock Osweiler and should help the Texans offense the most in the short term as well as the long term.

Obligatory spider graph:

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2016 BGN Mock Draft Order

1) Titans (ablesser88) - Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss - [Explanation]
2) Browns (EaglesGenius) - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State - [Explanation]
3) Chargers (StoneColeKiller58) - Jared Goff, QB, Cal - [Explanation]
4) Cowboys (kamjam) - Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State - [Explanation]
5) Jaguars (drc242) - Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State - [Explanation]
6) Ravens (rohan915) - DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon - [Explanation]
7) 49ers (LAOJoe) - Myles Jack, LB, UCLA - [Explanation]
8) Eagles (slickpablovick) - Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame - [Explanation]
9) Buccaneers (OneBucFan47) - Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky - [Explanation]
10) Giants (Paulie97) - Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida - [Explanation]
11) Bears (Kiko's Delivery Service) - Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State - [Explanation]
12) Saints (kylebruneault) - Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson - [Explanation]
13) Dolphins (wildcatlh) - Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State - [Explanation]
14) Raiders (Luxury_Used_Vehicles_By_Braman) - Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State - [Explanation]
15) Rams (NowWhat?) - Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis - [Explanation]
16) Lions (bri g) - Jason Sprigs, OT, Indiana - [Explanation]
17) Falcons (thealien2696) - Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State - [Explanation]
18) Colts (ei78) - Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame - [Explanation]
19) Bills (naderg43) - Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville - [Explanation]
20) Jets (Quacking_Eagle) - Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia - [Explanation]
21) Washington (TheCoxishere) - Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama - [Explanation]
22) Texans (jeppsforst) - Josh Doctson, WR, TCU - [Explanation]
23) Vikings (WScott151) -
24) Bengals (burkhart_b) -
25) Steelers (theaction) -
26) Seahawks (tfrank9811) -
27) Packers (3Trace) -
28) Chiefs (jawmo) -
N/A) Patriots - Cheaters
29) Cardinals (big DUB) - 
30) Panthers (zatch2k) -
31) Broncos (JALupowitz) -