Who Are Potential Day 2 Texans NFL Draft Targets?
The Houston Texans are off the clock.
Well, technically, they weren't on it until the first 22 picks were made, but now, the AFC South champions can take a breather until Friday evening.
Nick Caserio elected to move back and garner more draft capital for his long-term plan by trading the No. 23 pick, plus a seventh-round pick (No. 232), to the Minnesota Vikings. In return, Houston obtained a 2024 second-round pick (No. 42), a 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 188), and a 2025 second-round pick.
The Texans now have three Day 2 picks, plus what's expected to be an early selection on Day 2 in 2025. Minnesota might have added pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, cornerback Shaq Griffin, and running back Aaron Jones, but it also lost Danielle Hunter.
More importantly, the Vikings are starting fresh at quarterback with Kirk Cousins now down in Atlanta.
On paper, moving down 19 spots feels like a tragedy. In reality, the 2024 draft features ample talent that isn't much of a drop-off from the prospects that would have been in play at No. 23. And it's cost-friendly. Houston will grab two future players on four-year deals for the price of a first-round pick that might not make it to the fifth-year option.
But who are the players actually in play at No. 42? What about at No. 59? Those will be the building blocks for a franchise looking to compete for the AFC crown in 2024 behind Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.
Here are several names that should be in play.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) runs the ball on a quarterback keeper as Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) attempts a tackle during the second quarter at Kyle Field.
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Georgia WR Ladd McConkey
There's a legit change the 6-foot receiver lands somewhere on Day 1, but from a schematic standpoint, he's exactly what Bobby Slowik needs. During his time in Athens, McConkey served as the secondary option behind two-time John Mackey winner Brock Bowers for Stetson Bennett and later Carson Beck.
His production (119 catches, 1,687 yards, 18 total TDs) would suffice for any offense looking for an interchangeable receiver. During his tenure as a two-time national champion, McConkey saw reps in both the slot (29.6 percent) and on the edge (70.4) while also mixing in several carries at running back. He's a natural pass-catcher and fluid route-runner.
Tank Dell, who played 28.9 percent of his reps inside as a rookie, would be a fluid multi-purpose option alongside McConkey while Nico Collins handles duties as the team's "X" receiver. Imagine defensive coordinators having a game plan for the speed of Dell outside and perfection of McConkey inside, only to see their roles flipped on the next play?
Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk
If McConkey is off the board, landing Polk isn't a bad consolation prize. He's 6-2 and is coming off a career year with 69 catches for 1,159 yards and nine TDs. Polk was also part of college football's top passing offense headlined by new Seattle Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb.
Much like McConkey and Dell, Polk's lined up in both the slot and outside, so the transition to the NFL should come easy. He's dropped eight passes in five years and can win at any level of the field given his speed. What separates Polk from others is his physicality. The former Husky is a willing blocker in the run game and won't be bullied by bigger cornerbacks.
He's not the first option for Houston, but an option nonetheless.
Texas DL T'Vondre Sweat
Fans have been begging to see what the 366-pound Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year would look like in a Texans' uniform. At No. 23, it felt like a reach. On Day 2, it'll be shocking not to imagine Sweat being an option with Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankins gone.
Sweat best serves as a one-tech at the next level, but his speed should allow him to be a two-gap player. He's hard to miss in the open and he's even harder to block, given his impressive upper-body strength. Sweat also excels in run defense thanks to his bull-rushing ability.
The weight distribution could be a concern, especially in conditioning terms. When there's gas in the tank, Sweat makes his opponents sweat. Even if he's a rotational player as a rookie, the Hunstville native fits what's missing in DeMeco Ryans' defense.
Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper
Cooper said Tuesday at Texas A&M's Pro Dat that he models his play style after San Francisco 49ers' great Fred Warner. Ryans coached Warner for six seasons, transforming him from a Day 2 talent into an All-Pro.
You see where this is going.
Cooper is a tackling machine and an effective blitzer. Last season, he led the SEC with 17 tackles for loss and 44 pressures while earning consensus All-American honors. He also knows how to pursue ball carriers while taking proper angles without giving up much ground.
He also delivers hits from hell that echo throughout stadiums. Surprisingly, Cooper's also a decent player in coverage, often able to defend screens and swing passes out of the backfield.
Yes, the Texans have Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair. Cooper, however, is the type of player Ryans looks for in a linebacker, so saying he's not an option would be foolish.
Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter
The Texans added former first-round pick Jeff Okudah and retained nickel defender Desmond King on a one-year deal. They lost Steven Nelson, Tavierre Thomas and Ka'Dar Hollman in the process. Okudah could be this year's breakout player, but that also could lead to him taking a long-term deal elsewhere next offseason.
Lassiter fits Ryans' "swarm" mentality. He's a fearless tackler who loves contact and often doesn't miss his mark. Lassiter's also exceptional in man coverage due to quick footwork that allows him to work in and out of breaks while disecting route patterns.
Despite standing at 6-foot, Lassiter plays like he's 6-3. He's willing to defend the run and does an overall good job timing his jumps to break up passes. Lassiter was a Bulldog with an Alpha Dog corner in the SEC for three seasons with the two-time national champs.
He can be that same player in Houston as either a nickel or boundary defender.
Quick Hits
- When talking about a "Ryans-type player," look no further than Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil. He's a nickel-only defender, given his 5-9 frame, but he plays fearless and never seems willing to back down from a challenge. Sainristil also has a knack for getting his hands on the ball, as evidenced by his 13 pass breakups and seven picks.
- Stroud would love to see another Ohio State teammate head down to Houston and defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr. might be the best option. He's an undersized defensive tackle, but that allows him to maintain lower leverage in pass-rushing sets. As a rotational player for subpackages on pass-rushing downs, Hall would be a promising three-tech with upside.
- Polk shined in Seattle opposite top-10 pick Rome Odunze. Do you know which receiver broke out first under Kalen DeBoer? Jalen McMillian, who missed four games last year due to a knee injury, yet still averaged 12.5 yards per catch. He's a great route-runner with a stop-start mentality to win in the slot. While McMillan isn't a YAC machine, he's a reliable target that picks up first downs and keeps the offense moving.
- One move that isn't being talked about enough is a potential position switch for Jalen Pitre to the nickel. Adding Minnesota's Tyler Nubin would at least create a dialogue to let that happen. Nubin, this year's top safety prospect, is a high-end tackler downfield and a ball magnet, totaling 13 interceptions in four seasons. He also has the ability to play as an interchangeable safety, but Ryans likely would rather see him on the backend making highlight grabs.
- Three words could describe what type of player Houston would be getting if it selected Michigan's Roman Wilson: The Rose Bowl. Watch it. Love it. Embrace that type of talent in the slot and prosper for years to come.
- Rutgers' Max Melton deserves some love. He's a flexible corner who can play on the outside and the slot during the same drive in any formation. While better served in off-ball sets, Melton's not afraid to be pushy when asked to play press. He has all the tools to be a sturdy player in the league for years. Teams love his energy as a third-round option.
