HOUSTON — The Houston Texans wanted Mississippi State inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney and Arizona State receiver Jaelen Strong so badly they traded up to acquire both prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft.
After taking Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson with the first pick, general manager Rick Smith traded up with Cleveland into the 43rd spot to get McKinney.
To get Strong, who was projected as a first-round pick by some, Smith called his former understudy, New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan.
Strong should compete for a starting job opposite No. 1 receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He could also become Andre Johnson’s eventual replacement in the Texans’ offense.
“I look forward to stepping in big shoes like his (Johnson’s),” Strong said. “I looked up to him. I watched him (play in college), so I’ve been a fan of his for a while.
“I watched some games last year and saw what Andre Johnson did in that offense. I’m very excited. I feel so blessed to be in this position. I’m not worried about (dropping into the third round). I’m ready to work and be coached. I can’t wait to get there.”
Strong is the third receiver the Texans added since the end of the season, joining veteran free agents Cecil Shorts III and Nate Washington.
“We thought we had a very productive draft,” Smith said. “Today wasn’t as intense or as exciting because we didn’t make trades like yesterday. But our staff did a great job of scouting, and we have a clear vision of what we believe these players can do.”
A closer look at the Texans’ picks:
–Round 1/16 – Kevin Johnson, CB, 6-0, 188, Wake Forest
Johnson wasn’t the first-round wide receiver or edge rusher fans wanted. But he has longterm potential and won’t face the pressure of starting as a rookie. He’ll eventually replace Johnathan Joseph, who’s 31 and in the last year of his contract.
–Round 2/43 – Benardrick McKinney, LB, 6-4, 246, Mississippi State
The Texans traded up with the Browns to take an inside linebacker who won’t start in Week 1. The team needs depth at the position. But McKinney could be a work in progress and may have been a reach.
–Round 3/70 – Jaelen Strong, WR, 6-2, 217, Arizona State
Strong was the centerpiece of the Texans’ draft. Projected as a late first-round pick, he slid to the third round. The Texans then dealt three picks and frustrated wide receiver DeVier Posey to the New York Jets for the eventual replacement for Andre Johnson.
–Round 5/175 – Keith Mumphery, WR, 6-0, 215, Michigan State
Not a flashy pick and a potentially limited receiver. Mumphrey lacks the speed to burn and is more of a possession-based wideout. He’ll struggle to take the field barring injury to starters.
–Round 6/211 – Reshard Cliett, OLB, 6-2, 235, South Florida
The Texans need help on the edge and Cliett has the athleticism to be noticed. He’s more of a pass rusher than a tackler, though, and will likely be limited to third downs.
–Round 6/216 – Christian Covington, DT, 6-2, 289, Rice
A potential steal if his health improves. Covington is explosive and dangerous on the line. He’s recovering from a knee injury. But the local product could shine with the Texans.
–Round 7/235 – Kenny Hilliard, RB, 6-0, 226, LSU
The Texans’ backfield is already crowded and Arian Foster isn’t going anywhere. But Hilliard can bulldoze his way for TDs and should help in short-yardage third-down situations.
