The NFL draft is officially one month away, meaning its ramp-up season for evaluating prospects, deciphering reports and making predictions. With free agency in the rearview mirror, teams undoubtable shift all their focus toward the draft to find their next stars.
For the Houston Texans, they’ll have to wait until Day 2 of the draft to make their picks if everything remains the same. Houston traded its No. 23 pick to the Minnesota Vikings for the No. 42 pick and another second-round pick in 2025.
It was a big trade and one that head coach DeMeco Ryans said they did because the second day is the “sweet spot” for finding quality players. The Texans did well in previous years with picks like wide receivers Tank Dell (2023) and Nico Collins (2021) as well as linebacker Christian Harris (2022).
This time around, Houston will have the Nos. 42, 59, 86, 123, 127, 188, 238 and 247. We’ll be going through the first four rounds for this mock draft, meaning five of the Texans’ eight picks. We’ll also be using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator.
The biggest needs for Houston at the moment are defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and linebacker. We won’t be doing any trades, either.
No. 42: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw
Other players on the board: LB Payton Wilson, OT Jordan Morgan, WR Roman Wilson, S Javon Bullard, WR Ricky Pearsall, WR Keon Coleman
There are some nice wide receiver options here, but the drop-off at cornerback after Rakestraw would be substantial. The Texans signed two former first-round picks at the position in C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah as well as slot cornerback Myles Bryant, but Rakestraw would fill out the position on the outside and help the defensive line get to the quarterback quickly.
No. 59: Michigan WR Roman Wilson
Other players on the board: WR Ricky Pearsall, WR Keon Coleman, DL Ruke Orhorhoro, DL Kris Jenkins, DT T’vondre Sweat
Wilson falling to No. 59 is massive. He fits the skillset of the receiver the Texans were looking for when they tried to trade for Keenan Allen. Wilson is fast and can catch in the intermediate areas of the field. A trio of Wilson, Dell and Collins is a great core for C.J. Stroud to work with in Year 2. The allure of a top-flight defensive tackle is there, but Wilson’s ability might be more important.
No. 86: Miami S Kamren Kinchens
Other players on the board: OT Blake Fisher, WR Malachi Corley, S Sedrick Van Pran
Would it be fun for the Texans to go with back-to-back wide receivers? Sure. But safety depth is more important in 2024. Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward were up-and-down in 2023, so the addition of Kinchens would give Houston another option in the deep secondary.
No. 123: Northern Iowa DT Khristian Boyd
Other players on the board: RB Braelon Allen, DL McKinnley Jackson, TE Cade Stover
The Texans need another big body in the middle of their revamped defensive line. And with all the top names gone, Boyd is a solid option in the fourth round for DeMeco Ryans. His 6-foot-4, 317-pound frame is similar to other DTs on the Texans. Boyd won’t be expected to make an instant impact but he gives the Texans another rotational defensive lineman.
No. 127: Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen
Other players on the board: DL McKinnley Jackson, TE Cade Stover, OG Cooper Beebee
This might be a bit of a surprise pick, but Dameon Pierce clearly didn’t work in Bobby Slowik’s offense this past season. The Texans need running back depth as well in case Joe Mixon or Pierce are hampered by injuries. Allen is a bruiser who can be helpful in short-yardage situations as well.
PFF Grade: A-
PFF gave us a favorable grade for this four-round draft. Rakestraw and Wilson earned the best grades - as both fit needs and would be considered steals at these selections. Kinchens and Allen appeared to be reach picks, though, while Boyd landed around where should, per PFF.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: A-
Roman Wilson: A+
Kamren Kinchens: C+
Khristian Boyd: B-
Braelon Allen: C+
All in all, this draft would be a solid one for Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio in their second offseason together. While a trade back up into the first-round is still an option, this would be a good return for Houston to fill holes ahead of the 2024 season.
