Missouri Tigers DE Aldon Smith is entering the 2011 NFL draft and the various 2011 NFL mock drafts out there that we're seeing like him as part of the Houston Texans. The Texans pick 11th and in the latest SB Nation mock draft that would mean he'd be picked ahead of QB Blaine Gabbert.
The Texans have DE Mario Williams so pairing him with Smith, both of whom could move to outside linebacker, would make for potentially solid pass rush.
Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri. Wade Phillips is moving the Texans to a 3-4 defense, and his priority is upgrading his front seven with as much talent as possible. Smith has it in spades.
We've also heard the Kansas City Chiefs, who also play the 3-4 defense, as a possibility for Smith. The Texans moving to the 3-4 defense should help Smith as he's one of the defensive ends that could make the switch to outside linebacker. The Texans play in a division with Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning so getting to the quarterback is an absolute must for those in the AFC South.
It's becoming clear that Smith will be a first round pick, and possibly in the first half of the first round. He had some injury concerns last year but that doesn't appear to be affecting his draft stock very much.