The Houston Texans reportedly sent scouts to watch Alabama's practice Wednesday, and linebacker Reggie Ragland, defensive lineman Jarran Reed and center Ryan Kelly are three seniors the Texans are focused on, according to Chase Goodbread of College Football 24/7.
Ragland is one of 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award and looks to be one of the best linebackers available in the 2016 NFL draft. He is all over the field for the Crimson Tide and already has 71 total tackles with five tackles for loss and two sacks. The senior linebacker is 6-foot-2, 252 pounds and can have an instant impact for an NFL team.
Reed is another big prospect the Texans could target in the draft, as the senior defensive lineman could fit nicely on the Texans defensive line. Reed has 39 total tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Reed is listed at 6-foot-4, 313 pounds and would only make the Texans defensive line stronger. The Texans defensive line already looks stacked with players like J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork, but they could be building for the future. Reed may not be on the top of their list, but if the talented defensive lineman falls in the draft, the Texans may not pass an opportunity to draft him.
The Texans offense has clearly struggled this season, and while a quarterback is a big need for them, they also need to fix their offensive line. Some have even stated that Kelly is the most impactful player for the Crimson Tide, even though offensive linemen seldom get the credit. Kelly is listed at 6-foot-5, 297 pounds and continually holds his own against top SEC defenders. The Texans could be interested in taking Kelly if he falls to the right spot, but they won't be the only team interested in the Alabama center.
The Texans are 3-5 on the season, and are still alive for the post season in a weak AFC South. While Houston has a chance to make the playoffs, they are still in need of some major upgrades. Every team in the NFL scouts Alabama, as head coach Nick Saban continually produces top NFL talent. The Texans likely want to bring some of that winning mentality into Houston, as they are clearly in need of it.
