It’s the final countdown toward the 2024 NFL draft, and the Houston Texans are ready to finish the job.
Houston, arguably the NFL’s biggest surprise from a season ago, is built to win now. The Texans have a franchise quarterback and pass-rusher on rookie contracts, so it’s best to build around them before pricing takes over. Nick Caserio accomplished part of the equation with the additions of Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jeff Okudah.
Spending money to fortify the roster is an immediate way to show progress. Building through the draft is another. Caserio, who last season made a franchise-breaking eight trades over the seven rounds, mentioned that while Houston currently has nine picks, expect that to change before Mr. Irrelevant shows his face.
NFL.com’s Chad Reuter released a seven-round mock draft, where the Texans land their franchise cornerback opposite Derek Stingley Jr. and a slew of upside at multiple positions. Here’s a breakdown of the players sent to Houston:
Round 2, Pick No. 42 (via MIN): Notre Dame CB Cam Hart
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 202 pounds
RAS: 9.82
NFL.com rank: CB No. 17
Breakdown: Cornerback remains a need even after Houston signed two former top-10 picks in Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson. When watching the film, Hart fits the mold of a physical cornerback willing to play under the “SWARM” mentality. He’s a willing tackle capable of playing the run and doesn’t shy away from contact in man coverage.
Experience is second to none for Hart, who’s started over 30 games during his time with Notre Dame. He’ll need to learn how to play with more fluidity given his 6-foot-3 frame, but he could carve out ample playing time by midseason.
Round 2, Pick No. 59 – TCU OL Brandon Coleman
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 313 pounds
RAS: 9.96
NFL.com rank: OG No. 5
Breakdown: Caserio already addressed the Kenyon Green situation headed into Year 3. The hope is for the former Texas A&M All-American to start at left guard, but nothing is promised after missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. Tytus Howard is expected to start at right tackle and Juice Scruggs should be the favorite to start at his natural center position.
While Coleman can play tackle, he projected better inside. During his three seasons at TCU he played right guard (one game), left guard (11 games) and left tackle (23 games). He’s been at his best in run-blocking sets and brings a physical mindset to any huddle.
Coleman should push for more reps with a promising training camp. A team built to win a title can never have too much trench depth. Go look back at Kansas City and San Francisco and argue otherwise.
Round 3, Pick. No. 86 (via PHI) – Penn State TE Theo Johnson
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 258 pounds
RAS: 9.93
NFL.com rank: TE No. 4
Breakdown: Dalton Schultz is back on a new three-year contract, but what about the depth behind him? Teagan Quitoriano has missed over a dozen games in two years. Andrew Beck and Brevin Jordan are headed into contract years.
Johnson’s 6-foot-6 frame would make him a key target in the red zone for Bobby Slowik’s offense. The Texans also love running 12 and 13-personnel and Johnson would fit the need for a more in-line blocker, thus opening Schultz up in the passing game. He’s not an elite run blocker, but he rarely drops passes and outmatches smaller defensive backs in coverage.
Round 4, Pick No. 123 (Via CLE): Miami DL Leonard Taylor III
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 313 pounds
RAS: 9.96
NFL.com rank: OG No. 5
Breakdown: One can never have too much trench depth. Taylor’s far from a finished product, but his athletic upside stands out. He’ll need to work on his overall technique and fundamentals, but when things are working, they’re promising.
Taylor should be a rotational option with the upside to start beginning in 2025.
Round 4, No. 127 - Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 241 pounds
RAS: 9.17
NFL.com rank: LB No. 9
Breakdown: With Blake Cashman and Denzel Perryman gone, the Texans need linebacker depth. Jacobs should be on a shortlist of names to monitor come Day 3. He’s a consistent tackler, totaling at least 49 stops in his final three years. Jacobs also seems natural when asked to play in man coverage, a key part of Ryans’ defensive formation.
The best-case scenario? Jacobs becomes a third linebacker behind Azeez Al-Shaiir and Christian Harris while carving out a significant role on special teams. The worst-case? Take out the LB No. 3 and give it to Henry To’oTo’o.
Round 6, Pick No. 188 (via MIN) - Louisville RB Isaac Guerendo
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 221 pounds
RAS: 9.98
NFL.com rank: RB No. 17
Breakdown: Mixon should see a bulk of the carries while Dameon Pierce takes over as the No. 2 option. What about the No. 3 role? Will Houston turn to speical teams ace and backup kicker Dare Ogunbowale for the title?
Guerendo is built like your prototypical Wisconsin running back. He’s thick, well-proportioned and uses his larger frame to keep momentum pushing ahead. While he won’t be a game-changer, Guerendo should be a nice option as an extra blocker on passing downs.
Round 6, Pick No. 189 (via DEN) - Washington EDGE Zion Tupuola-Fetui
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 244 pounds
RAS: N/A
NFL.com rank: N/A
Breakdown: It never hurts to have depth off the edge. Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. should command most of the reps. Derek Barnett re-signed a one-year deal to be the No. 3 pass-rusher, and Houston still has former All-Big 12 defensive end Dylan Horton.
Tupuola-Fetui needs to work on his pass-rushing moves, but he’s a willing tackler and aggressive when trying to set the edge. He’ll serve a role on special teams early on in his career.
Round 7, Pick No. 238 (via NO) - Illinois WR Isaiah Williams
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 182 pounds
RAS: N/A
NFL.com rank: WR No. 31
Breakdown: Adding in a player who offers special teams value is critical. Williams, a three-year starter and two-time captain for the Illini, fits the criteria of what Caserio and Ryans covet in locker room leaders.
Williams’ frame will limit him to the slot, but he was exceptional as a return man in college. Desmond King is the only player with a decent rep count on punt returns, so perhaps Williams serves as a more long-term option for Frank Ross and Co.
Round 7, Pick No. 247 - Nebraska DB Omar Brown
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 201 pounds
RAS: N/A
NFL.com rank: SAF No. 18
Breakdown: There’s not much to say here. Seventh-round defensive backs offer special teams upside and not much else to begin their careers. They could eventually become something promising, but it’s not guaranteed.
Caserio has used at least one draft pick in two of his three classes on a defensive back. Brown, who’s played both free safety and in the slot, kills two birds with one stone entering training camp.
