ESPN Names Second-Round Safety 'Easy Fit' for Houston Texans

The Houston Texans won't have a first-rounder in this year's NFL Draft but that doesn't mean an ideal fit won't be available on Day 2. Who may Houston target?

Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) jumps on a fumble by Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill (10) at / Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY

The Houston Texans have spent the offseason getting older and more expensive at several positions. By virtue of free agency, they’ve swapped edge rusher Jonathan Greenard for Danielle Hunter and Devin Singletary for Joe Mixon, each before sending a 2025 second-round pick for star receiver Stefon Diggs.

Acquiring high-profile veterans is not a move without risk, but it may be necessary to take Houston to the next level – that of a true AFC competitor.

Still, the foundation of Houston’s roster, quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson, are young stars acquired through the NFL Draft. It won’t have the same kind of capital as last season, but hitting on its Day 2 picks could pay dividends by the end of the year.

Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) jumps on a fumble by Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill (10) at / Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY

On Friday, ESPN released its list of ideal fits for the upcoming NFL Draft. Among them was the Texans and Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin.

“Nubin is an easy fit for DeMeco Ryans’ defense given his coverage awareness, demeanor and ability to create production on the ball,” Matt Bowen wrote. “In Houston, Nubin could run the alleys and play top down from split-field alignments, and he has the post instincts to patrol the middle third of the field as a center fielder. 

“Nubin, who had 13 career interceptions for the Gophers, also has special teams upside on coverage units.”

The polished Minnesota product may see his stock fall due to poor testing numbers – specifically lacking in the burst department – but is likely in play for Houston with the 42nd pick. If not, pick No. 59 or (less likely) 86 remain options for the Texans to take Nubin.

Nubin’s processing stands out, as he’s seemingly always in the right spot, despite potential athletic limitations. His true ceiling in coverage may be capped by these shortfalls, but he plays faster than his pro-day testing would suggest and has the track record of production to back it up.

Houston gave up too many explosives in the passing game in 2023, and adding Nubin to the duo of Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre should help shore things up, though he does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage.

Nubin is instinctive and has the physicality to play the run. Ultimately, if his athleticism can hold up enough in a Cover 4-heavy scheme, he can help provide support from a distance and patrol the back end for a defense that’ll be on the hunt in 2024.