Cornerback is a position that is heavily stocked on NFL rosters. As the passing game becomes more of a focal point in the pro game, so do the defenders in the secondary.
The Houston Texans have a dominant No. 1 — at least in potential — in Derek Stingley. The former LSU cornerback could use a partner on the other side in 2023.
If the Texans are looking to go younger at cornerback, a name they should consider during the 2023 NFL draft process is Noah Smith from TCU.
According to Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus, Smith has the talent, but he is a bit of a risk because of his health issues.
In five seasons with the Horned Frogs, he’s managed to play a grand total of 510 snaps and never more than 208 in a single year, as his injury list is almost difficult to keep track of at this point.
Still, he’s allowed only 18 of his 38 career targets to be caught for 293 yards. He is as fluid and explosive as any cornerback in the country. At this point, even a full healthy season isn’t getting rid of his injury red flags; however, a big year could still land him somewhere on Day 2 due to the league’s thirst for talented man-coverage cornerbacks.
Excited to watch @TCUFootball CB Noah Daniels (@NoahDB21) vs. Texas Tech today. He returned last week for 28 snaps, largely in 2nd half.
Outstanding cover corner with high-round upside. Excited to see him play more and show off his athleticism/ball skills. #ShrineBowl #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/9y8ZChOVk3
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) October 9, 2021
The risk of taking a player who may not be available — a la Kevin Johnson, the Texans’ 2015 first-round pick — is there with Smith. However, the opportunity to land a talent who can make athletic plays on the ball will be the selling point for Smith, presuming he has an outstanding 2022 campaign.
Houston will have two first-round picks, a second, and two third-rounders in 2023. Although the Texans won’t use a first-rounder on Smith, if general manager Nick Caserio is able to trade back and pick up more selections on Day 2, they could have opportunities to take Smith, pending he is part of the solution in the secondary.
