The Houston Texans are on the clock…well sort of.

While the NFL Draft is rapidly approaching in the coming weeks and teams are headed across the country for pro-days and interviews, Houston will have to be patient and wait till the middle of day 2 before they officially can be on the clock.

As of now, the Deshaun Watson trade up last year looks like a huge win for Houston. After trading away a second round pick and Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns, former GM Rick Smith double dipped to move up 13 spots and select the Clemson gun-slinger. Watson shined in his six appearances for the Texans in 2017 and was on the way to set career breaking records before tearing his ACL in early November. Watson will have to come back 100% healthy but as of now, it’s hard to disagree with Smith’s decision.

Tight end might not be a glaring position of need at the moment, but a simple move could make Houston check the tape on this tight end class. CJ Fiedorowicz might have been a primary target for Texans quarterbacks in the past, but his ever growing number of concussions might make him reevaluate his life choices and possibly call it a career. Ryan Griffin did a nice job picking up the slack with his readjusted contract extension, but still had his flaws in both the passing and running game.

Griffin should be the long-term option at tight end of now even if Fiedorowicz tries to come back. Stephen Anderson has shown some promise over the past two seasons but is more of a flex than a full-fledged tight end in today’s passing league. The Texans have been linked to possibly signing former Seahawk Jimmy Graham but still could use help in their blocking. If they are in the market come draft weekend for another weapon on the offense, here are five tight ends to keep an eye on.

Mark Andrews|Oklahoma| Round 3

If the Texans are serious about adding a tight end for the long-term future, they have to attack the position early. While Dallas Goedert and Mike Gesicki are prime candidates to lead this rather weak class, this could help a guy like Andrews fall the Houston to being Round 3. While a raw overall player with excellent size and hands, the former Sooner does possess similar skills at the former Iowa star and could help tremendously in the passing game.

Known for his superb route running skills along with nice hands, Andrews is the ideal tight end in today’s passing league. At nearly 6-6, the former Sooner was known for his red-zone threat capability and skilled route running to help the Oklahoma offense skyrocket to the top of every chart in 2017. Best used in the flexed position rather than a three-point stance, Andrews has the size to block on running plays but could be a liability as well.

A larger slot receiver with great production at Oklahoma, the Texans should only consider Andrews if they miss out on Graham and Fiedorowicz calls it a career. Since that’s likely, don’t be shocked if he is in play come round 3.

Ian Thomas|Indiana|Round 3-4

The Texans biggest issue is their blocking from the tight end position. Fiedorowicz is a willing blocker from the slot while Anderson is more of just a big receiver. While Griffin does a decent job blocking on run plays from a three-point stance, Houston could look to upgrade their tight end position there. If that’s the case, Thomas is the ideal candidate and a starter for any team.

Massive size, huge hands to catch the ball and a love for the game with aggression built in his blood, Thomas is an old-school tight end prospects scouts love to see when they turn on the tape. Great upper body strength, Thomas uses his footwork to match with his hands and keep leverage on blocking plays.

Inline blocking became natural to him over time and eventually, his strength allowed the Hoosier to put a beatdown on larger outside linebackers. His ability to catch the ball as is well documented as last season, he led all Big 10 tight ends in yards per catch. While his route tree is limited, Thomas has all the right boxes checked to be a quality tight end long-term in today’s NFL.

Durham Smythe|Notre Dame|Round 5

Even if the Texans sign Jimmy Graham this offseason, they’ll need to address the position at some point. While Day 3 players usually begin their careers as special teams players with starting potential, a guy like Smythe could be a quality tight end who ends his season with a prominent role. Notre Dame has been known to churn out tight ends that can do a little bit of everything and Smythe is certainly no exception.

An ideal “Y” type old-school tight end, Smythe is a blocker first, receiver second. A technical blocker to the pin, Smythe does a great job locking onto his target and out powering them in run formations. Great speed and the ability to work up to the second level of defense as a lead blocker downfield, running backs love following this guy in the open field.

As a receiver, Smythe’s limited in his routes but does a quality job in short yardage situations to keep drives alive. If Houston wants to just add a blocker long-term for help their run game, Smythe is an easy pick.

Tyler Conklin|Central Michigan|Round 5-6

If Fiedorowicz hangs it up, the Texans will be forced to address their tight end need. Anderson should be reliable in the slot but if he can’t put up the production that his teammate did, Houston should at least look at finding a similar type of player. A former basketball star that changed career paths midway through school, Conklin is an ideal tight end prospect with plenty of potential as a receiver and blocker.

Known for his strong footwork, ability to accelerate downfield and outbox small defensive backs, Conklin the proper tools to be a top receiver in any offense. While he did suffer a major foot injury that has hurt his speed, he makes up for it with a high catch rating. In blocking, the former Chippewa does a nice job in attacking the outside shoulder of his target, working him away from the play.

His footwork from basketball drills has allowed the senior prospect to box out opponents while using his hands as support. Conklin won’t wow you with anything, but his skills could translate well to Houston’s offense in all area’s of the sport.

Jordan Akins|Central Florida|Round 6

If all else fails, there’s never a thing as too much potential. No matter what happens with the Texans tight end unit this offseason, competition is nice to have in the locker room. With the inconsistency of Anderson and Griffin down the stretch, a former outfielder with great range could be what the Texans need to light a fire under their butts. Enter Jordan Akins.

If not for being a 26-year-old rookie, Akins could be considered a higher level prospect. A rangy receiver that isn’t afraid to go after the ball, Akins shines in single man coverage. Great speed for his size and a natural ability to track the ball, the former Golden Knight rarely is known for dropping passes and consistently makes plays across the middle of the field.

While he won’t the Texans much in the blocking game, this strong and talent former Texas Ranger baseball prodigy could be a decent weapon for Deshaun Watson in the red zone and on short-yard conversions.