Being a Detroit Lions die hard for many decades, I can understand the predicament of the Houston Texans. A team that has had some successes but a lot of tough times as well. I hope the team is stabilized under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, they need it. For this mock draft, I went to our friends over at the MockDraftDatabase, definitely check them out!Â
Houston Texans Team Needs
This team is very much in transition but the 2022 draft class has some foundational pieces in it. I expect them to try and trade WR Brandin Cooks and even potentially OT Laremy Tunsil if there are suitors. They need talent infusions across the board but I see the biggest needs as QB, Defensive Line, Offensive Line, and skill positions (yes, plural).
And the Pick Is In…
Pick #2: Bryce Young, QB Alabama
They tried the Davis Mills experiment, unfortunately, it did not work as they had hoped. In comes the most pro-ready of these quarterbacks but also questions because of his size and does he fit coach Ryans’s scheme. You can make the case they lean toward CJ Stroud if they want a bigger QB with potentially a higher ceiling but I don’t see that being the case today at least.
Pick #12: Bryan Bresee, DL Clemson
There should be no reason for anyone to get upset with adding an elite talent here. I know he didn’t necessarily produce the way you’d like to see in college but you saw flashes. If I’m coach Ryan’s, add as much talent and develop it, pretty simple. You know he should get a few seasons to prove himself, and if you can build your lines AND get your QB, you should be good!
Pick #33: Isaiah Foskey, Edge Notre Dame
You can’t have enough edge rushers, and you have vets to help them out. Having someone like Jerry Hughes to show them the ropes would be a great start for them all. Foskey has an elite athletic profile and the production to support it!Â
Pick #65: Derick Hall, Edge Auburn
I chose another defensive lineman purely based on the board, though why not? They could use 3-4 defensive linemen honestly. Hall’s proven the profiles there, a multi-sport athlete that produced pretty well in college. He brings a nice combo of speed and power, could be a day 1 starter.
Pick #73: Andrew Vorhees, IOL USC
Some folks are mocking him near round one, so fills a need and could be a huge get if he falls. They drafted another IOL early last year so I could see them waiting till later and taking another this year, so why not here? He has the versatility to play multiple roles along the line, like the fit.
Pick #104: Cedric Tillman, WR Tennessee
John Metchie looks to be back and ready for OTAs, so Tillman, Metchie, and Nico Collins make a nice trio. Tillman or Metchie can be the big play threat, and Nico can be your big slot. Wasn’t super successful in 2022 even though the team was. This pick is more of a potential than a production pick.
Pick #138: Owen Pappoe, LB Auburn
Pappoe brings a nice leadership potential to this team, as he lead the Tiger’s defense. Voted team captain for the last two years, and has a ton of experience as well. He has the ability to drop in the zone, as well as can chase down ball carriers.
Pick #188: Cameron Latu, TE Alabama
A former defensive end, Bama tends to use TEs more as blockers. Latu started the last two seasons and showed he had the smarts to do it all. He may not have the breakaway speed but has the tools to be a nice #2 tight end in the NFL.
Pick #201: Brenton Cox Jr, Edge Florida
Cox could play as your edge rusher, either standing up or hand in the dirt. Strong, and good against the run, he just needs time to develop.
Pick #203: Ventrell Miller, LB Florida
I like miller, he brings a good football IQ and leadership qualities. He probably is more of a depth piece, core special teamer to start though.
Pick #207: Dontay Demus Jr, WR Maryland
I really like both wideouts I drafted, they have the ability to play outside or as your big slot. Demus needs to develop his route tree but has the tools to be their X receiver of the future.
Pick #239: Mohamed Ibrahim, RB Minnesota
I was calling Mo a sleeper in last years class, then he goes back to school. I still see him as a sleeper but being #2 behind Pierce, he definitely isn’t in play for their top RB at the moment. He has the experience and vision to be an impact player but being a 25-year-old rookie is why he falls.
As always if you want to talk all things football, hit me up on Twitter or over on the Draft Countdown Discord! And check out the rest of my work here.