Texans Draft Ohio State Star in New NFL Mock
The Houston Texans' first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will come from the Cleveland Browns, who made a trade with them in 2022.
And ESPN's latest first-round mock draft, ESPN Analyst Jordan Reid anticipates the Browns will finish towards the middle of the league next season - and the Texans landing the 17th overall pick as a result.
With that pick, Houston is projected to pick Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. in the first round. Hall recorded 19 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season on just 270 snaps last season. Hall also contributed 16 total pressures, seven QB hurries and four QB hits, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
Reid explained the pros and cons of the explosive defensive tackle.
"Hall is a quick-footed interior defender who displays burst out of the starting blocks at the snap. He checks a lot of key boxes as a pass-rusher, but his early-down reps as a run defender must improve in 2023."
Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins signed a one-year deal with Houston during the offseason, meaning he might become a free agent in 2024. Fellow Texans DT Maliek Collins' contract goes through 2025, so his future deep steel blue, battle red and liberty white may be limited as well.
While adding another member to the front four would be beneficial due to the lack of depth, an argument could be made that Houston doesn't desperately need another defensive lineman in next year's draft. This is because they selected University of Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. with the third overall pick in 2023.
Anderson's collegiate resume is among the best of the last decade as he finished his 3-year career with 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks. If he translates anything near these numbers on Sundays, he may earn recognition beyond defensive rookie of the year.
However, Hall put up excellent numbers on a smaller number of snaps and hasn't come close to reaching his full collegiate potential yet. Even with Anderson, Houston may have a hard time passing up Hall if he lasts with them.
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