Grading the Houston Texans draft picks.
The Houston Texans entered the 2024 draft with needs, but not as many as the past few seasons under General Manager Nick Caserio.
Caserio did a good job of adding talent to the roster since he has been hired, but took it to another level this offseason.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, along with Caserio, knew they needed to be aggressive in acquiring proven talent, due to the emergence of quarterback CJ Stroud on his rookie contract, and they did just that.
The Texans added several impact players on both sides of the ball, such as wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Due to the Texans being a good team in 2023, their top picks were mostly on the back end of each round, which is a new experience for everyone as of late. Caserio has done a great job the past few years, and that streak may have continued.
Here is a look at Houston’s 2024 Draft Picks:
Round Two: Georgia Cornerback Kamari Lassiter: B+
Caserio is known for trading during the draft, but Houston stood their ground, stayed at their pick, and got the best player on their board at the cornerback position.
Lassiter is a physical player, that is likely going to be a day one starter, and bring even more energy to an already impressive Texans defense, led by DeMeco Ryans.
If not for a poor 40-yard dash time, Lassiter could have been a late first-round pick due to his impressive skillset. Lassiter plays much faster than his time indicates.
Round Two: Notre Dame Offensive Tackle Blake Fisher: C+
The Houston Texans have invested several high draft picks, to go along with several big money extensions on their offensive line over the past few years.
Houston already has their two starting offensive tackles in Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard. Tunsil is not a free agent until 2027, and Howard is not a free agent until 2026.
It is clear that the Texans are building for the future, but with more needs on the defensive line and secondary, it felt like a reach in the second-round.
Round Three: USC Safety Calen Bullock: A-
Bullock, who is only 20 years old, was an absolute ballhawk at USC, intercepting the ball nine times over three seasons.
Houston already has Jalen Pitre, who had a down year in 2023, to go along with veteran Jimmie Ward, who was banged up for a majority of the year, but there is room for Bullock to step in and contribute immediately in DeMeco’s defense.
Round Four: Ohio State Tight End Cade Stover: A
Whenever you can get a familiar face for your young, star quarterback, you do it. Stover and quarterback CJ Stroud already have chemistry from their time at Ohio State, and should compete with Brevin Jordan for TE2.
Not only does Stover have high potential as a receiving threat, but his potential as a blocker is intriguing.
Stover was a defensive end two years ago, and is just getting his feet wet at the tight end position. It would not be a surprise to see Stover as the Texans starting tight end within a couple years.
Round Six: Oregon Linebacker Jamal Hill: B-
The Texans need depth at the linebacker position, and Jamal Hill gives you that, to go along with his willingness to play special teams.
The former safety turned linebacker is very fast, and has some serious potential in the man coverage department. Hill is very raw, but if anyone can coach up a linebacker, it’s Demeco Ryans.
Round Six: Louisville Running Back Jawhar Jordan: A-
Houston added Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon to their roster this offseason, which already has Dameon Pierce, who has a down year in 2023.
Jordan will have to show a lot to contribute meaningful snaps this upcoming season, but he was very productive in 2023, rushing for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns. Not only does Jordan have potential in the run game, but he is also an impressive kick returner.
Round Seven: USC Defensive End Solomon Byrd: C+
Productive player at Wyoming and USC, accumulating 20 sacks, to go along with 31.5 tackles for loss.
Byrd has potential to be a solid rotational player.
Round Seven: Auburn Defensive Tackle Marcus Harris: A-
Houston may have gotten a steal in the seventh round with Harris, who had 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as an interior defensive lineman in 2023.
Harris could come in and contribute immediately.
Round Seven: Michigan Offensive Lineman LaDarius Henderson: C+
The Texans can always use depth on their offensive line, and Henderson brings his monster 7’1 wingspan to a group that was beat up constantly in 2023.
Despite the Texans not having any extremely high picks like the past couple years, they made the best out of their situation and had a solid draft. The team needed help at various positions after free agency, and they not only fixed that, but also added depth everywhere.
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