Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri.
I have not seen Smith’s name connected to the Houston Texans with this pick very often, but this makes a lot of sense to me the way our mock draft has played out thus far.
The 6-foot-5, 263-pound Smith draws athletic comparisons to the New York Giants Jason Pierre-Paul, a raw prospect who was taken 15th by New York a season ago.
With the success enjoyed by Pierre-Paul, and with the Texans moving to a 3-4 under the direction of Wade Phillips, a potentially dynamic edge rusher like Smith seems like an excellent fit for the Texans.
Draft Countdown says Smith “may ultimately go down as one of the best players to come out of this class if he fulfills his vast potential.”
I also considered Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley and Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers here. Those two players, however, are generally thought to be considred better fits for the 4-3 defense. Thus, Smith is the pick.