Texans Pick Hometown Talents in Two-Round NFL Mock Draft
It may be impossible to repeat the kind of impact the 2023 rookie class had on the Houston Texans, but coming close could be the difference between another Divisional Round finish and a deep playoff run.
This April, general manager Nick Caserio can address Houston’s biggest needs without spending top dollar. While still early in the rebuild, C.J. Stroud’s ascension accelerated expectations, but the entirety of the roster. How holes on both sides of the ball are addressed will loom large in 2024.
What is the Texans’ best path forward?
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball away from Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
By virtue of the board falling favorably, Houston fares well in Chris Trapasso’s recent mock draft.
With the No. 23 pick (via the Cleveland Browns), the Texans selected Texas Longhorns receiver Adonai Mithcell.
“Mitchell is a young but incredibly smooth athlete who thrived in his first season as a primary target at Texas,” Trapasso wrote. “Massive upside here for Houston.”
Upside may be a theme of this offseason. Sure. Stroud was able to elevate the passing offense into the league’s upper half, but taking down the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen requires a special brand of potency.
Pairing Houston’s inspiring duo of Nico Collins and Tank Dell with a talent like Mitchell – who blends size, speed, and separation skills – makes for a terrifying trio. Mitchell adds depth to the Texans and also allows Collins to move across the formation. He successfully transitioned from a mostly vertical route tree to a more versatile one in 2023. With Mitchell excelling downfield, more opportunities for Collins over the middle of the field could be in store.
In the second round, Houston elects to fill a hole at defensive tackle in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense. At No. 59, the Texans take Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.
Sweat is most likely a nose tackle at the next level thanks to his 345-pound frame, but he’s more than just an excellent run defender. Sweat’s upside comes from flashes of pass-rushing prowess that make him a dangerous interior force.
Houston was strong against the run last season, ranking first in success rate, but maintaining that standing is no guarantee. Adding talent to the defensive line makes the defense better in both facets in a year where the unit is expected to take a leap.
