NFL Mock Draft: Could Texans Pick Defensive Tackle at No. 23?
After an AFC-South clinching playoff run, the Houston Texans will get the 23rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft from the Cleveland Browns. To continue building and meet Head Coach DeMeco Ryans' standards, the defense must enhance its depth along the line.
The Texans exceeded expectations, securing a playoff victory fueled by an exceptional rookie class. However, their work continues into the offseason with cap space available for strategic moves.
Notably, they face decisions on multiple free agents, including standout edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (12.5), reliable tight end Dalton Schultz (59 catches), and impactful defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (6 sacks).
And according to the latest mock drafts, the Texans could be targeting some help in one of those areas.
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton (94) reacts to a missed stop in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Per USA Today, Defensive Tackle Jer'Zhan Newton out of Illinois will be the Texans' 23rd pick.
Newton, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 295 pounds, earned recognition as an AP second-team All-America in 2022 and has been selected to the All-Big Ten team twice. His impressive stats include 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, leading the team in quarterback hurries (8), blocked kicks (3), and contributing with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Newton served as a team captain at Illinois and has been named a finalist for the prestigious Nagurski Trophy, an honor given to the nation's top defensive player.
Analyst Mel Kipper also projects the Texans to take Newton in the first round in his 2024 NFL Mock Draft.
"Newton is the best interior pass-rusher in this class; he had 16.5 sacks in three seasons for the Fighting Illini," Kiper said. "He improved his pressure rate in every season, showing off an impressive combination of strength and natural talent. He also has versatility, as three of his sacks were from when he lined up as the nose tackle. He could slot into Rankins' spot in the lineup."
