Open Rants by kkunert327

2021 NFL Draft Grades

Houston Texans

3 (3) - Davis Mills QB Stanford - B-

3 (26) - Nico Collins WR Michigan - A-

5 (3) - Brevin Jordan TE Miami - A+

5 (26) - Garrett Wallow LB TCU - C

6 (11) - Roy Lopez DT Arizona - D 

Overall - B

- Honestly, with so few picks due to some bad trades by the previous regime this draft haul is not the worst. Them taking Davis Mills told a whole lot of what they thought about the whole Deshaun Watson saga. To me the writing is on the wall that he most likely will not play next year due to legal issues, but I also doubt he ever plays for them ever again. They should have traded him earlier before the allegations came out, but who knows if they knew about it prior and if they had what sort of implications that would have brought. In any case, I think they had their eye on Kellen Mond who would give them a Watson-like talent at quarterback, but he was snatched right before they picked by the Vikings. So taking Mills made the next best option. Now I am not sure Mills is ready to play as soon as Mond would be with his much more extensive experience. However, many believed that Mills could have challenged to be a high first round pick next year had he stayed in school to get more seasoning. Overall, he could develop behind Tyrod Taylor and with Taylor’s track record he might have to play sooner than he should. 

- Their subsequent few picks in the draft were not terrible at all in my opinion. I really liked Nico Collins as a talent with his 6’4” frame and an ability to run a 4.4 40 time. He certainly has the tools to be an excellent outside receiver who runs like a gazelle, but like many taller receivers he does need to get more crisp in his routes to beat defenders more consistently. I can see him at the very least being a strong number two receiver. The next pick of Brevin Jordan was a great value one in my opinion. I had him as the 3rd best tight end behind Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth in this class. He did have a weaker Pro Day, but he plays a lot more fluid and quick on the field. I also like that he wants to be a good blocker as well as a talented pass catcher. The Texans have needed a tight end to break out for awhile so landing Jordan this late in the draft could help figure that out. Wallow is a nice linebacker prospect, but I am not sure they had a huge need there compared to say like corner, safety, or running back. Same goes for Lopez who is a lesser tackle prospect from a weak tackle class in general. They do need a pass rusher, but I am not sure tackle is a huge need after taking Ross Blacklock high last year. 

- Overall, with very limited picks I guess this is a solid draft class. They have a potential starting quarterback with Davis Mills, but they also came away with three potential starters in Collins, Jordan, and Wallow. I do wish they went after a pass rusher, defensive back, or running back with one of those later draft picks. This should be a trying season in general for the Texans who expect to have the worst record in the league next season. They just have to hope Watson’s legal issues do not cost them the ability to trade him for a big haul of picks. They also have to hope that a Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, or Zach Wilson type quarterback prospect can breakout and be there for them with the top pick of the draft next year.