Houston Texans Reinforce Defense in Latest Mel Kiper Jr. ESPN NFL Mock Draft

According to NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., the Houston Texans are going to focus on defense early.

Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans might not have a first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they can't add some difference makers.

Throughout the pre-draft process, the general consensus was that Houston needed to acquire talent on the defensive side of the ball. That idea was even further cemented when the Texans traded for star receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon this offseason.

Now, the Texans needs seem to be more clearly defined, with interior defensive line and secondary getting the most attention from mock draft experts.

That trend continued on Wednesday with ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., who had the Texans addressing exactly those areas in his latest mock entry.

Nov 25, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

First up at the No. 42 pick, Kiper has the Texas going defensive tackle, selecting Illinois standout Jer'Zhan Newton to help replace the losses of Sheldon Rankins and Maliek Collins.

"This is Houston's first pick in the draft after it moved out of Round 1 via last month's trade with the Vikings. It owns the No. 59 pick as well," Kiper said. "Newton is one of the best interior pass-rushers in this class. He had 7.5 sacks last season, which was the most in the FBS from a defensive tackle."

The Texans also signed Tim Settle, Foley Fatukasi and Denico Autry along the front, giving them some veteran help on the interior. That said, Newton would provide both immediate help at the position, and give Houston a potential long-term starter in the process.

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil celebrates a play against Washington during the second half / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Moving on to the No. 49 pick, Kiper believes the Texans will focus on the secondary, where he has them taking Michigan slot corner Mike Sainristil - a player he labels as the best at his position in the class.

"Sainristil is the best slot cover corner in this draft," Kiper said. "He had 6 picks, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the national champs last season. Houston signed veteran Desmond King to play as its nickelback, but I don't think he is guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster. At 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, Sainristil just makes plays. I'd want him on my team."

The Texans did address their corner spots this offseason, adding Jeff Okudah, CJ Henderson, Michael Ford, Lonnie Johnson, Myles Bryant, and Desmond King. That said, Sainristil is a slot specialist, and could immediately come in and start over King at the position.