Louis

Nix

Nix weighed in at a Wilforkian 6-foot-2 3/8 and 331 pounds earlier in the week. Nix has defensive anchor-type ability, but displays a tendency to wear down when asked to log too many snaps, and play “high” when tired. That’s the case for many 330-plus-pound defensive linemen, of course. Nix is a projected first-rounder who figures to particularly appeal to teams that run 3-4 defenses.

Nix missed five games with a knee injury as a senior at Notre Dame last season, but it’s unclear what the issue is at the moment. Coach Bill O’Brien refused to reveal details last month. Williams spent his entire rookie season on I.R. last year. His leg was “rolled up” in the preseason finale, but nothing was revealed after.

Third-rounder Louis Nix missed OTAs, minicamp, and all of training camp so far with a knee issue that has carried over from last season at Notre Dame. Powe (6'2/330), has experience in DC Romeo Crennel’s defense, but has just one career start under his belt. It’s a weak spot on Houston’s defense.

“He’s got something wrong with him but I’m not sure what it is,” O’Brien said. “I think he’ll be fine.” The 6-foot-2, 331-pound run plugger will anchor the middle of new DC Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense between ends J.J. Watt and Jared Crick. Nix missed five games as a senior with a knee injury that required surgery.

Nix required surgery on his left knee last November, but it is his right knee giving him trouble now. Coach Bill O’Brien did not discuss a timetable, but did say Nix would be “back out there at some point.” Jerrell Powe will open the season as the Texans’ starting nose tackle. It’s possible that concerns over Nix’s knee were the primary reason he slipped to May’s third round.

Built like Vince Wilfork, Nix is going to anchor the middle of new DC Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 defense. At 6-foot-2 and 331 pounds, he’ll clog up space and plug the run.

The Texans are back on the clock and just like they were with the No. 1 overall pick, they’re willing to deal down and pick up extra selections. Houston may be eyeing a quarterback on Friday, but if they feel one isn’t worthy of the top pick in the second round they could move back. Notre Dame NT Louis Nix is Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris’ best player available and could even be a fit in Houston with Jerrell Powe atop the depth chart at nose tackle. A team interested in WR Marqise Lee could also move up to 33.

The Texans are trying to trade out, but Schefter believes Notre Dame NT Louis Nix is the likely choice if they can’t find a partner. The prediction would give Houston a front seven of Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus at outside ‘backer, J.J. Watt and Jared Crick on the ends, Nix at zero technique, and Brian Cushing next to Brooks Reed at inside linebacker. That’s hard to argue against.

Nix (6-foot-2 3/8, 331) made 30 starts at nose tackle in Notre Dame’s 3-4, tallying 14 career TFLs and 2.5 sacks. He missed five games during the 2013 campaign with a knee injury that was repaired surgically by Dr. James Andrews in November. A true two-gap “zero technique” in the Wilforkian mold, Nix possesses big hands (10"), relatively long arms (33") for his size, and the playing mentality of a run-stuffing space eater. He may have to sub out on passing downs early in his career, but is quick enough to collapse the pocket with brute power. Nix slipped in the draft after a disappointing final year in South Bend, but at surface level is a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel’s scheme. The Texans have an awfully impressive front seven on paper.

Nix missed his entire rookie season with knee and wrist issues. The 83rd pick in last year’s draft, Nix (6'2/331) has yet to get his career off the ground.