NFL Draft Grades - Houston Texans
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Houston Texans Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (12)
Grade: A+
Stock down to everyone who derailed the projection for this pick, but bravo to the Texans for actually making the right move. It appeared as though Houston was going to be the laughing stock of the NFL for passing on a franchise quarterback and handing him to one of their divisional rivals, but that's apparently not the case. The Texans stole C.J. Stroud away from either the Colts or Titans.
Grade: A-
I think the Lions could have gotten Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 18, but you never know. Thus, I don't hate this value, especially because Detroit moved down in the first place. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, so Gibbs will help the Lions win the Super Bowl. Yes, the Super Bowl. Unlike the Falcons, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, so I really like this selection.
Grade: B
The Titans caught a falling quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so they'll be hoping that this signal-caller pick is more successful. It'll be difficult for Levis to be worse than Willis, but he has an extremely low floor. Levis has major flaws in his game and couldn't beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State. Some believe Levis fell, but I had him at this very pick in my mock draft, so I don't think this is a value selection. It's fine though.
Grade: A+
Not a Georgia player, but a great selection nonetheless. Tyler Steen is a talented, versatile blocker who can play tackle and guard. I had him in the early second round, so I love this value. Steen will be able to replace Isaac Seumalo right away.
Grade: A+
I can't wait to hear from Charlie Campbell about why Jalin Hyatt fell so far. Hyatt is a somewhat poor man's DeVonta Smith, so he should have gone much earlier than this. I wouldn't have hated it had he been chosen late in the opening round. Hyatt is going to fill a huge need.
Grade: B-
The Raiders obviously needed a cornerback and could have taken Christian Gonzalez at No. 7 overall. Jakorian Bennett was a steady corner at Maryland, but might be limited to slot duties in the NFL. I think the Raiders could have gotten a better corner, but this pick is OK.
Grade: B+
Nick Hampton is a versatile linebacker I had in the fourth round. The Rams needed a linebacker after losing Bobby Wagner, so perhaps Hampton can challenge for playing time right away.
Grade: C+
Karl Brooks was very productive at Bowling Green as an interior pass rusher, but he's not a very good athlete so the upside is limited. He can also get run over in the ground game. There's some potential, but I thought Brooks would be a UDFA.
Grade: A
Tanner McKee should have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this, as he has a strong arm and some upside. The Eagles wanted to find a quarterback to develop as a No. 2. This is another great pick from Howie Roseman.
Grade: A+
I had Jarrett Patterson in the third round, as he never surrendered a sack during his collegiate career. I don't understand why he fell so far, but the Texans will benefit from the drop by filling a position of need.
Grade: A
The Raiders have had issues at linebacker for a long time, so perhaps Amari Burney will be able to help. Burney is an excellent coverage linebacker, so I thought he should have gone a couple of rounds earlier than this.
Grade: B
Desjuan Johnson is an explosive player, but he's undersized and lacks length. There's not much room for growth here from this year's Mr. Irrelevant.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Houston Texans: Will Anderson, DE, Alabama
As mentioned prior to the Bears-Panthers trade, the Texans wouldn't be able to get the quarterback they wanted because of their foolish decision to win in Week 18. They apparently wanted Bryce Young, but because of their meaningless victory, they're no longer in position to draft him. The logical thing would be to go with C.J. Stroud, but the Texans don't do things logically. They're likely to pass on a quarterback, and as a result, they're going to allow the rival Colts to land a franchise signal-caller.
Assuming Houston passes on Stroud, it'll select either Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson, as the team hasn't been able to replace J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney after all these years.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Tyree Wilson, DE - Edge rusher is the likely pick if the Texans remain at No. 2.
2. C.J. Stroud, QB - Was this all a trick? Did the Texans fool everyone into thinking they were stupid and/or secretly working for the Colts? By the way, the whole Will Levis to the Texans thing reminds me of when everyone thought the 49ers would draft Mac Jones. It could happen, but it would be insanely dumb for the Texans to do it - which might mean that it will happen because Houston does all the wrong things.
Round: 1
Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Texans needed a second receiver across from Brandin Cooks before they traded him. Now, they need someone to replace him.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has incredible speed and athleticism. He had a huge 2021 campaign, which included a terrific Rose Bowl performance.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Will Levis, QB - It's sounding like the Texans will pass on a quarterback at No. 2, but what about at No. 12? Perhaps they would draft Will Levis.
2. Quentin Johnson/Zay Flowers/Jordan Addison, WRs - The top four receivers in this class can go in any order.
Round: 2
Houston Texans: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis could easily tumble out of the top 10. If he does, where will he fall? Considering that he has some major flaws in his game, he could slide further than many imagine. In fact, he could fall out of the first round, and if he does, he could be the choice here for Houston.
Levis has a big arm and could be chosen in the top 10. However, he has accuracy issues and no touch. He'll need good coaching to succeed.
Round: 3
Houston Texans: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Texans' linebacking corps has been a mess for quite some time.
Trenton Simpson is a quick and ahtletic linebacker.
Round: 3
Houston Texans: Charlie Jones, WR, Purdue
The Texans could draft three receivers, including two in the first couple of days, given how horrible their wideout group is.
Charlie Jones is a shifty route-runner with reliable hands.
Round: 4
Houston Texans: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
The Texans signed Dalton Schultz, but they may want a dynamic second tight end.
Darnell Washington is an excellent blocking tight end with underrated receiving talent. Major injury concerns could drop him, however.
Round: 5
Houston Texans: Jaray Jenkins, WR, LSU
Houston could draft three receivers, given how starved for talent the team is at the position.
Jaray Jenkins is a tall and raw receiver with some potential.
Round: 6
Houston Texans: Walter Rouse, OT, Stanford
The Texans could stand to add some depth on the offensive line to protect Davis Mills.
Walter Rouse did well to improve during his time at Stanford.
Round: 6
Houston Texans: Darrian Dalcourt, C, Alabama
The Texans could stand to upgrade their center position. That could occur much earlier than this.
Darrian Dalcourt has some size limitations for the NFL.
Round: 6
Houston Texans: Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
The Texans made a nice signing in obtaining Denzel Perryman, but they could still stand to add a couple of linebackers in the draft.
Round: 6
Houston Texans: Brodric Martin, DT, Western Kentucky
Expect Houston to acquire a couple of defensive tackles to help its horrible run defense.
Round: 7
Houston Texans: Jose Ramirez, DE, Eastern Michigan
Houston's pass rush needs lots of work, so this pick shouldn't surprise anyone.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A+ Stock down to everyone who derailed the projection for this pick, but bravo to the Texans for actually making the right move. It appeared as though Houston was going to be the laughing stock of the NFL for passing on a franchise quarterback and handing him to one of their divisional rivals, but that's apparently not the case. The Texans stole C.J. Stroud away from either the Colts or Titans.
A- I think the Lions could have gotten Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 18, but you never know. Thus, I don't hate this value, especially because Detroit moved down in the first place. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, so Gibbs will help the Lions win the Super Bowl. Yes, the Super Bowl. Unlike the Falcons, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, so I really like this selection.
B The Titans caught a falling quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so they'll be hoping that this signal-caller pick is more successful. It'll be difficult for Levis to be worse than Willis, but he has an extremely low floor. Levis has major flaws in his game and couldn't beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State. Some believe Levis fell, but I had him at this very pick in my mock draft, so I don't think this is a value selection. It's fine though.
A+ Not a Georgia player, but a great selection nonetheless. Tyler Steen is a talented, versatile blocker who can play tackle and guard. I had him in the early second round, so I love this value. Steen will be able to replace Isaac Seumalo right away.
A+ I can't wait to hear from Charlie Campbell about why Jalin Hyatt fell so far. Hyatt is a somewhat poor man's DeVonta Smith, so he should have gone much earlier than this. I wouldn't have hated it had he been chosen late in the opening round. Hyatt is going to fill a huge need.
B- The Raiders obviously needed a cornerback and could have taken Christian Gonzalez at No. 7 overall. Jakorian Bennett was a steady corner at Maryland, but might be limited to slot duties in the NFL. I think the Raiders could have gotten a better corner, but this pick is OK.
B+ Nick Hampton is a versatile linebacker I had in the fourth round. The Rams needed a linebacker after losing Bobby Wagner, so perhaps Hampton can challenge for playing time right away.
C+ Karl Brooks was very productive at Bowling Green as an interior pass rusher, but he's not a very good athlete so the upside is limited. He can also get run over in the ground game. There's some potential, but I thought Brooks would be a UDFA.
A Tanner McKee should have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this, as he has a strong arm and some upside. The Eagles wanted to find a quarterback to develop as a No. 2. This is another great pick from Howie Roseman.
A+ I had Jarrett Patterson in the third round, as he never surrendered a sack during his collegiate career. I don't understand why he fell so far, but the Texans will benefit from the drop by filling a position of need.
A The Raiders have had issues at linebacker for a long time, so perhaps Amari Burney will be able to help. Burney is an excellent coverage linebacker, so I thought he should have gone a couple of rounds earlier than this.
B Desjuan Johnson is an explosive player, but he's undersized and lacks length. There's not much room for growth here from this year's Mr. Irrelevant.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
B+ Grade
I'm surprised the Texans are drafting a cornerback this early because the Buccaneers and Bears never drafted cornerbacks early when Lovie Smith was coaching them. Cornerbacks never call for a premium draft pick in Smith's system. However, I can understand why the Texans wouldn't pass on Stingley. He's an amazing cornerback who looked like a generational player in his first season at LSU. He has been injured since, so there's some major risk here, but the upside is through the roof. Though I didn't have this pick in my mock draft, I certainly won't criticize it because I think it's a good selection.
D Grade
At least the Texans moved back. This is pretty bad though. Kenyon Green is a guard who should have gone in the 24-40 range, so this is a reach. I wonder if the Texans don't already regret not picking a tackle at three and then a cornerback like Trent McDuffie at No. 18. As usual, the Texans have no idea what they are doing.
B- Grade
The Texans addressed the secondary yet again, which isn't a surprise because they had such a need in that area. Jalen Pitre is a solid pick here, as I thought he would possibly go in the middle of the second frame. He had a solid combine, and that really helped his draft stock.
D Grade
I like John Metchie just fine, but he should have gone about a round later than this. He's an injured receiver, yet didn't drop at all for some reason because this may have been his natural range. I don't know why the Texans traded up for him with some talented receivers still on the board. It's a typical Houston maneuver to not understand draft value at all.
A- Grade
I could tell you that the Texans needed linebacker help, but the Texans need help everywhere. Their roster is barren, so just adding the best player available at every spot made sense. Christian Harris could qualify if Nakobe Dean is ignored. Harris is someone I've mocked in the second round, so I like this value.
A- Grade
The Texans needed a running back, and the Jets stole Breece Hall from them in the second round. Dameon Pierce, a tough runner, is a nice consolation prize here in the fourth round. I thought he'd go a round earlier, so I like this pick.
B+ Grade
This is a solid pick, as I had Thomas Booker in this area. Booker is a versatile defensive lineman who can play in any scheme. The Texans needed help up front, but then again, they need help everywhere.
A- Grade
It's no surprise that Tycen Anderson is the pick here for the Bengals, given that they were dead set on upgrading their secondary entering the 2022 NFL Draft. I had Tycen Anderson in the fourth round of my re-draft, so he could have been chosen earlier than this.
B Grade
Matt Henningsen never made it into my mock draft, but perhaps he should have after he posted some terrific numbers at his pro day. I like the Broncos taking a chance on such an athletic player late in the draft. Defensive line depth needed to be addressed.
B+ Grade
I mocked Dawson Deaton at 250 rather than 246, but I like this pick for the Browns because they really needed insurance at center. They lost J.C. Tretter, so they needed someone to compete with Nick Harris for the job.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
C- Grade
Imagine going from Deshaun Watson to Davis Mills. Yuck. Davis Mills is as mediocre as they come in regard to arm strength and accuracy, and he lacks experience. He's not ready to play right away, so the Texans will have to start Tyrod Taylor in 2021. There's legitimate 0-17 potential for the Texans, so they should've just waited for a quarterback atop the 2022 NFL Draft (go here for my 2022 NFL Mock Draft.)
C- Grade
I wouldn't have minded if the Titans drafted Dez Fitzpatrick with their natural pick in the fourth round, but I don't get why they moved up for him. There are several quality receivers still remaining, and I don't think Fitzpatrick stood out from the rest of them. Fitzpatrick was great in the Senior Bowl, but I don't think that warranted this sort of move, even if it fills the void that Corey Davis' departure created.
A+ Grade
I can't believe the Texans made a great pick! Brevin Jordan is someone I consistently slotted in the second or third round, so this is tremendous value. Jordan isn't the best athlete, but he'll likely be a better player than Jordan Akins, who can't stop dropping passes.
A+ Grade
I was wondering when Daviyon Nixon would come off the board. I had him slotted in the third round, so this value is incredible. Daviyon Nixon is a good athlete who can generate pressure and also help stuff the run. This is a great pick.
B Grade
With Patrick Mahomes standing in the way of winning a Super Bowl, the Bills had to find as many talented defensive backs as possible. Damar Hamlin is someone I've had going in this range, so he's a fine pick as someone who can provide quality depth at safety.
B Grade
The Rams lost Malcolm Brown, so the Rams wanted to add a third running back to join Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. I mocked Jake Funk in the seventh round, so this makes sense.