Houston Texans Pull Off Trade with Vikings to Land Intriguing DB

The Houston Texans have pulled off an intriguing NFL Draft trade with the Minnesota Vikings to land a compelling defensive back.

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans helmet on the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Vikings 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans have swung yet another trade in the NFL Draft, this time sending the 102nd and 142nd overall picks to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for pick Nos. 97 and 187.

Check that on the trade. #Eagles traded with the #Falcons at 96. Meanwhile, the #Texans trade 102, 142 to #Vikings for 97, 187.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 26, 2025

The Texans then proceeded to select USC Trojans defensive back Jaylin Noel with the 97th overall pick.

Smith is coming off of a 2024 campaign in which he registered 59 tackles, four tackles for loss and a couple of interceptions.

The 21-year-old spent his entire collegiate career at USC, arriving in 2021 and carving out a significant role as soon as his sophomore season.

Smith didn't post huge numbers with the Trojans, accumulating just three picks and five passes defended throughout his NCAA tenure, but his solid speed and versatility were obviously major lures for the Texans.

The 5-foot-11 defender is capable of playing both cornerback and safety, and we know how much Houston values strong secondary play.

The Texans have one of the best defensive backfields in football, and Smith will join a group that already includes names such as Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, Calen Bullock and the recently added C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Houston extended both Stingley and Pitre recently, ensuring that two of its top young defensive players remain around for the long haul.

Smith may not see extensive playing time right from the jump due to the excessive depth the Texans have in their secondary, but he will definitely provide DeMeco Ryans with an impressive young option moving forward.

Houston has won two straight AFC South division titles.