The chaos continues. After the high of selecting Kayden McDonald at the start of the second, the bewilderment that accompanied the Marlin Klein selection was unexpected. Fortunately for the Texans, multiple teams made head-scratching picks. Those decisions have left a handful of quite talented players still on the board early on Day Three.
Houston has two early fourth round picks, a fifth rounder, and a seventh to cap off the NFL Draft. Those four picks represent the Texans last chance to add talent to the team before the season starts. With those pick, they should take some of the best talent remaining on the board heading into Day Three.
Keionte Scott, CB/Nickel – Miami
• Why he fell: 25-year old rookie with only one year of quality production
• Why he fits: Slot/nickel/safeties fell this class. There are a number of them who slipped due to a lack of positional clarity and clear scheme fit. Scott is a devastatingly ferocious nickel corner who plays the run better than anyone. He has a spot behind Jalen Pitre would give the team depth and keep the secondary consistent if he is injured.
Jalon Kilgore, Nickel/S – South Carolina
• Why he fell: Poor technique
• Why he fits: Kilgore is a bona-fide project, but he has a pro-ready NFL frame and physicality. He racked up eight interceptions and multiple pass breakups. He can fit in a slot defender who can play the run. He is great against more physical tight ends and big slot receivers, but will struggle facing shifty slot receivers.
Mike Washington Jr., RB – Arkansas
• Why he fell: Limited fit in run schemes, limited cutting ability, and limited SEC experience
• Why he fits: The third best RB in the class is still on the board. For teams who want a downhill running and can get to the edge, Washington is a great fit. He can be a physical beast in the Texans gap and duo blocking scheme.
Zakee Wheatley, S – Penn State
• Why he fell: Average testing and inconsistent tackling technique
• Why he fits: A sideline-to-sideline safety who can come down and play screens or defend the pass downfield, Wheatley fits the Texans defense like a puzzle piece. He would be an immediate rotational safety with Reed Blankenship and provides depth to compete.
Cashius Howell, DE – Texas A&M
• Why he fell: Historically short arms, rotational pass rusher role
• Why he fits: A fourth round, rotational pass rusher with electric energy and a thirst for competition is exactly what the Texans could use to add to their room. While he doesn’t fit the size and length profile of a Texans defensive end, his demeanor and effectiveness getting after the quarterback would be a major boost to the pass rush package the Texans can implement.
Emmett Johnson, RB – Nebraska
• Why he fell: Lack of breakaway speed & pass protection issues
• Why he fits: Johnson is a scheme-agnostic, well-built, and shifty running back who can be a major player in the pass game. Johnson possesses a gritty running style and knows how to run in between the tackles.
Joshua Josephs, DE – Tennessee
• Why he fell: Limited physical athleticism, bend, and production
• Why he fits: Long and lean defensive end with the traits to develop into a consistent player, Josephs lacks the stats and production to deserve a first three round pick. Josephs would fit in as the DE4 and rotate with Dylan Horton until he more capably can play as a rotational end.
Deontae Lawson, LB – Alabama
• Why he fell: Skinny, poor block shedding, 2024 ACL tear, and average speed
• Why he fits: Lawson is the type of diamond in the rough DeMeco can develop. A team captain and leader, his play recognition is strong and he is deliberate against the run. He has the athleticism to improve in the pass game and frame to add muscle to his build.
Keyshawn Elliott, LB – Arizona State
• Why he fell: Under-developed technique, lack of play recognition, and average foot speed
• Why he fits: A good athletic profile and prolific tackler. Elliott can continue to add muscle to his 6’2” frame. Ascending player with more good traits than red flags… the question is if he can put it together.
Connor Lew, OC – Auburn
• Why he fell: ACL surgery ended his junior year, unrefined pass block
• Why he fits: Three years of starting SEC experience and a gap-scheme center. Lew would be a defining piece to the offensive line and a long-term solution at center. Though it would keep Keylan Rutledge at guard, it would be a great improvement over the Texans current center options.
Honorable mentions:
• Skyler Bell, WR – UConn
• Malik Muhammad, CB – Texas
• Elijah Sarratt, WR – Indiana
• Sam Hecht, OC – Kansas State
• Genesis Smith, S – Arizona
• Rayshaun Benny, DT – Michigan
• Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE – Penn State
