Skip to main content

A-Plus Or A Failure: What Draft Grade Do Texans Get?

With nine new Houston Texans drafted to the roster, what grade should the franchise get amongst the league?

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio isn't pondering the internet looking at draft grades from his nine selections in the 2022 draft. He doesn't see the value in it since a prospect has yet to take the field at the professional level, stating how once a player leaves college, that chapter is done. 

"I would say there's no additional pressure to hit on our picks. I don't know what that means," Caserio said Saturday. "Ultimately, the player's performance will dictate whether or not he is a good player, he is not a good player. If it doesn't work out, okay, we'll move on from that player and go find somebody else. That's our job."

He's right, though. Even if a prospect hits in Year 1, that's not enough to say if they're a star in the making. The same goes for a prospect who struggles. Third-round picks might outperform first-rounders, but one season won't determine the trajectory on their careers. 

With that in mind, here's TexansDaily.com's draft grades for Houston and each prospect. 

Stingly 1
USATSI_16778021
USATSI_17449797

Round 2, No. 37: Baylor S Jalen Pitre

The Texans lost Justin Reid to free agency this offseason and haven't had a do-it-all playmaking safety since Tyrann Mathieu was on the roster in 2017. It's a good thing, Pitre, models his game after the Honey Badger and hopes to become a clone of him in Houston.

A ballplayer through and through, Caserio said Pitre "plays with his hair on fire" because of his ability to fly to the football. He's a "find ball, attack ball" type of defender, having recorded 76 tackles last season — 18 of which were for loss. Pitre also has reps in the nickel, the boundary corner and both safety positions.

Finding a home for him at the next level will be keen, but adding him to a depleted secondary is a move everyone can get behind.

Grade: A

attachment-GettyImages-1357186536-1
USATSI_17485688
download (1)

Round 4, No. 107: Florida RB Daemon Pierce 

Houston needed another running back and it found a good one. Pierce was limited to a running by committee approach at Florida, but he made noise when on the field. He's a hard-press runner that uses strength over speed up the middle, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He also is one of the best pass protectors in the class, using his sturdy lower frame to contain balance against his opponent. 

Peirce is a bruiser who told reporters “I don’t like taking hits, I like giving hits.” Quite soon, he could be seeing a bulk of Houston's carries. 

Grade: A +

Thomas_Booker_SG_110521_136
NFL1
USATSI_14263578

Round 6, No. 205: LSU OL Austin Deculus

Deculus likely is viewed for now as a depth offensive lineman. He has the experience to fight for starting reps, having started in 46 career games at LSU and setting a school record of 60 appearances. Deculus logged over 3,300 career snaps at right tackle, so translating to the pros might come easier than most sixth-rounders. 

Although a limited athlete, Deculus checks all the boxes to be a swing tackle with perhaps starting potential in time. 

Grade: B 

Texans Team Grade

Houston improved to say the least. No, don't expect the franchise to be winning a Super Bowl or even compete for the playoffs, but it did get better in a multitude of spots.

Stingley and Green should be Day 1 starters at cornerback and left guard, respectively. Pitre likely fights for reps at safety and becomes the full-time starter by midseason, as should Harris at one of the linebacker roles. Metchie will work his way into a starting role when healthy and Pierce should expand his rep count week by week. 

The duo of Booker and Quitoriano should find niches on both sides of the ball early while Deculus likely fights for reps as the long-term swing tackle. In time, Houston could have eight full-time starters and a high-end backup. 

Last draft, it was the same story with five picks. Four are key starters and Garret Wallow is a respected depth linebacker. Not a bad weekend, Caserio. 

Final Grade: A -