Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio made it clear that he doesn’t care about initial draft games. No one is going to know which players live up to the hype and which crumble under the pressure for at least a season or two.
The Texans did better the roster for the future with the nine players selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Several names could be vital additions to building a competitive team past a promising 10-7 record in 2023. Everything for Houston is predicated on building around C.J. Stroud.
That includes defense, which became a focal point of free agency and the draft with the signings of Azeez Al-Shaair and Danielle Hunter, along with the selections of Kamar Lassiter and Calen Bullock.
Every year, a team is ridiculed for its selection process and walks away looking like a genius eight months later. The same goes for “winners of draft weekend” who end up missing on every selection, often leading to the firing of a front office.
The Texans likely rank somewhere in the middle of draft grades. Most pundits gave Houston a solid B for its drafting, with several questionable selections and a few slam dunk moves. What does Texans Wire think of the draft class?
Here are our overall thoughts on the Texans’ newcomers entering rookie minicamp next week.
Round 2, Pick No. 42: Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter
Grade: A-
Lassiter isn’t a burner, but that’s not what teams covet. It’s his physicality, alpha dog mentality and willingness to tackle in space that makes him a standout in man coverage. With Jeff Okudah and Derek Stingley on the edge, Lasstier likely sees most of his reps at the nickel position before transitioning to the outside in 2025.
It wasn’t the top cornerback on Houston’s radar, but few players fit DeMeco Ryans’ “SWARM” mentality like Lassiter. It’s a strong selection overall.
Round 2, Pick No. 59: Notre Dame OT Blake Fisher
Grade: B-
Offensive line was always going to be a position of need after last season’s woes, but it wasn’t the top priority on the Texans’ radar. Fisher might have upside at left tackle, but after 26 games on the right side, he might be more comfortable just standing pat. He needs to continue his improvements in pass protection, but he’s one of the best in the class at downhill blocking when it comes to the run game.
This a long-term need but contending teams are always looking for what’s next. Fisher likely competes for starting reps with Tytus Howard season when his contract becomes more manageable to move.
Round 3, Pick No. 78 (via PHI): USC SAF Calen Bullock
Grade: A
People will complain that Bullock isn’t a reliable tackler, but the Texans aren’t bringing him in because he can hit. It’s rather because he can cover and he’s pretty successful in that department. The 6-foot-3 defensive back is a rangy playmaker with a similar skillset to Marcus Williams. He plays with a “see-ball-get-ball mentality” that can change the course of a game with one play.
This was my favorite pick by Houston, who likely views Bullock as a succession plan for Jimmie Ward. It’s a solid move for the present and future.
Round 4, Pick No. 123 (Via CLE): Ohio State TE Cade Stover
Grade: A
Who cares if Stover is the second tight end behind newly-extended Dalton Schultz? He was arguably the second-best prospect at his position in the class after a breakout season in Columbus. What’s crazy is he’s still learning the position after starting off his Ohio State career as a linebacker.
Stover was coming into his own with Stroud, and now reunites with him in Houston. He’s only going to improve knowning he won’t have to start right away. Having a quaterback’s trust is essential, and Stover’s already earned that from his time in the Big Ten.
The Texans love running 12-personnel, so Stover should have a prominent role in the offense past 2024. Expect consistent growth throughout the regular season and an expanded rep count.
Round 6, Pick No. 188: Oregon LB Jamal Hill
Grade: B
It’s a hit-or-miss pick. Hill has a chance to be a promising sub-package linebacker with a prominent role on speical teams. He also could end up being only used on special teams because he doesn’t translate full-time to linebacker.
Day 3 picks, especially project ones, are risky to determine their roles but Hill has potential given his time in Eugene on defense. Dan Lanning knows what he’s doing in that department, so give Hill time to build something.
Round 6, Pick No. 205: Louisville RB Jawhar Jordan
Grade: B
Confidence won’t be a problem for the 5-foot-9 running back, who tweeted out after his selection “Steal of the draft.” There’s a ton to like about his upside as a pass-catcher and special teams player, but the size is concerning.
Houston needed to make the selection given the run on rushers, so credit the job by Caserio. Jordan might be the “steal” of special teams if he can secure the kick returner role while rotating in as the third rusher.
Round 7, Pick No. 238: USC EDGE Solomon Byrd
Grade: B-
After six years in college, Byrd has nothing left to prove. He’s likely a rotational defensive lineman just looking to prove there’s a home for him at the next level.
He flashed at USC, so the potential is there, but he’ll likely be competing with Dylan Horton as the No. 4 edge rusher.
Round 7, Pick No. 247: Auburn DL Marcus Harris
Grade: A-
Anytime you can land a former All-SEC defender in Round 7, you’ve landed a promising player. Harris is an undersized three-tech, but the Texans love pass-rushing interior linemen.
The 6-foot-2 Tiger is a gap-shooting lineman who can get penetration as a run defender and offer upside in the pressure department. It’s hard not to like the selection given the value and upside
Round 7, Pick No. 249 - Michigan OL LaDarius Henderson
Grade: C+
When in doubt, beef up the trenches. Henderson started for the national champs and will always be able to say his last college game will be at the house of his future NFL home. He offers value given his size, but he’ll need to improve with his pad level and footwork if he hopes to see the field.
Texans Wire's Overall Draft Class Grade
GRADE: B+
There’s nothing to love about the Texans’ draft, but there’s also nothing to hate. There is, however, a lot to like and be excited about when looking at the big picture past the nine new prospects added over the past two days.
Kamari Lassiter ran a 4.6 40-time, but his play was worthy of first-round buzz. This is a DeMeco Ryans’ cornerback if the term were to exists who should come in and start immediately in the nickel. Calen Bullock has that center-field-type mentality that can stay back in coverage to force incompletions and create turnovers. Cade Stover should be a reliable No. 2 tight end for a decade, and already has a budding relationship with his new [and old QB]. Even the Fisher selection makes sense given Houston’s offensive line woes from a season ago.
When you add Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon (two players acquired via trade) to the mix, you see how built Houston is entering what hopes to be a new era of football down at NRG Stadium. For not having a first-round pick, Nick Caserio landed quality players and improved the organization.
That’s all that matters in the end, folks.
