The AFC South could be top-heavy as we head into the 2021 offseason. However, since this time last year, the Houston Texans have been the laughingstock of the NFL. After former head coach, Bill O'Brien traded away DeAndre Hopkins and couldn't even receive a first-round selection out of the transition, it seemed everything went downhill from there.

Since then, the front office released JJ Watt, where he wound up signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson has requested a trade. The franchise has yet to agree to Watson's request, as they still believe they can mend the relationship. Between having a depleted roster and virtually no draft capital, trading Watson away would be in Houston's best interest.

Doing so would return some of the draft capital they lost when O'Brien traded for Laremy Tunsil from the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, this franchise doesn't have much cap space to play with either. This means after trading away Watson, most of the big acquisitions this front office makes will likely be coming from the NFL draft.

Houston is in a complete re-build. History says the most efficient way to re-build a football team is in the trenches. The franchise should do exactly that with their first pick they acquire from a Watson trade. If a trade comes to fruition, there is reason to believe this franchise could select an elite offensive lineman prospect in the NFL draft.

With the Houston receiving core completely depleted, it's safe to assume the front office selects at least one wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Brandin Cooks is the best receiver on the roster, however, he's getting up there in age and does have a worrisome injury history. Look for the Texans to find a young prospect wideout in the draft this year.

The Texans shouldn't ignore the defense either, and luckily for them, this draft has plenty of defensive talent available. Due to their lack of draft selections, the Texans may gamble on a later-round pick with a ton of potential. Their best bet would be to find a pass rusher to fill the giant shoes JJ Watt left behind.

Houston Texans Bold Prediction: Trade Deshaun Watson

It's no secret Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston. Anyone who pays any attention to football knows the current situation going on. The “Houston, we have a problem” joke has thoroughly run its course, as problems have been striking the Texans franchise for years now.

This team doesn't have a whole lot to work with heading into the NFL draft. They don't pick until the third round at 67th overall. Not a good look for a team re-building. The Texans should be searching for the best possible trade they can get. Watson is a superstar quarterback that most teams would love to have.

It's been speculated the price for Watson is astronomical. He's potentially worth three first rounds picks, plus more. That should be the exact asking price out of Houston. Gather back the draft picks O'Brien lost, and reel in some experienced players simultaneously.

Houston Texans Bold Prediction: Draft Rashawn Slater

After trading Watson, Houston should be in much better shape for their re-build. Sure, they're without Deshaun Watson, but they'll some draft stock to work with to build a solid team. Starting in the trenches should be the way to go, as the rest of the roster just isn't ready for any quarterback to take over.

Rashawn Slater makes sense for this Texans franchise. He's graded as the second-best offensive tackle in the draft and has been consistent during his collegiate career. Coming out of Northwestern, Slater aims to elevate his game at the professional level. Houston can't gamble during their re-build, and Slater is one of the safest bets in the upcoming draft.

Houston Texans Bold Prediction: Draft Tylan Wallace Jr.

Wide receiver is a problem for the Texans. DeAndre Hopkins's departure has left the position in turmoil. However, Watson was able to find success with Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks. With Fuller likely leaving in free agency though, this receiving core is even thinner than before.

Tylan Wallace Jr. is an excellent prospect in the NFL draft. At 6-0, 190 pounds, Wallace is one of the bigger receivers available this year. He has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a solid target for any franchise in the league. In his final season at Oklahoma State, he finished with 922 yards and six touchdowns. He's the exact type of player Houston needs out wide, as he could be a potential superstar in the making.

Houston Texans Bold Prediction: Draft Chris Rumph II

Chris Rumph II is a bit further down the list, but he seems to be slowly rising draft boards every day. Coming out of Duke, Rumph has been an efficient pass rusher. He ended his final season with 52 total tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble.

This kid is talented, however, at 6-3, 235 pounds, he's a bit undersized for the position he plays for. For this reason, Rumph is being overlooked for other prospects in the draft. For Houston, drafting Rumph would be an excellent start to re-building the offense. He has a ton of potential but needs the time to develop. With Houston likely out of playoff contention for quite some time, they can be patient and push Rumph towards success until they're ready.