Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Stanford defensive back Justin Reid (DB62) looks to catch the ball during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Stanford defensive back Justin Reid (DB62) looks to catch the ball during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

team. 10. . Last Rank: 11. . Houston Texans. 11

Best Pick: S Justin Reid, Stanford

Like the Chiefs, the Houston Texans didn’t have a first-round draft pick. Heck, Houston didn’t even boast a second rounder, having to wait until Round 3 to make its first selection.

But the Texans have quarterback Deshaun Watson because of that, so it’s OK.

It’s hard to move either the Chiefs or the Texans in our NFL power rankings because of the lack of a first-round pick, but that won’t matter much if some of the mid-round prospects — or late-round gems — pan out. That’s what counts the most.

For Houston, the hope is Stanford safety Justin Reid (Round 3) can round out a defensive backfield already including Andre Hal and Tyrann Mathieu, possibly taking over one of those two spots in the not-so-distant future. Reid likely slipped a bit too, making this pick one of solid value.

Mississippi State offensive lineman Martinas Ranking (Round 3) was also a bit of a slipper in the draft, so Houston maximized value here too.

A possible sleeper, though, is Texas Tech wide receiver Keke Coutee (No. 103 overall). He’s the kind of player who could thrive in head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense, provided the necessary parties stay healthy this year.