Houston Texans
In terms of starters, the Texans had a need for a third CB and likely a safety. Even with the pick of Kenyon Green, I would argue that the Texans needed a starting LG and a succession plan for replacing both tackles within the near future. Tunsil will get too expensive soon and Tytus Howard has been a league average player.
In terms of depth players, the Texans needed a defensive tackle and linebacker. They also needed developmental players at RB, TE and Edge, capable of some day starting.
- Round 2 Pick 42
Original Pick: Kamari Lassiter, CB
YAS Assisted Pick: AD Mitchell, WR
This draft had good depth at CB in rounds 2-4, and Lassiter’s speed limitations make him a questionable starter moving forward (even given that his scheme contemplates a cover 2 shell to minimize his slowness). AD Mitchell’s reported personality faults caused a first-round talent to drop late into the second round, which presents too significant a value to pass up. Additionally, the Texans faired poorly against man coverage last year. This is indicative of a lack of man beating WR and/or poor protection during blitz pick up. Mitchell can house the ball on man coverage, which should minimize blitzes moving forward.
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- Round 2 Pick 59
Original Pick: Blake Fisher, OT
YAS Assisted Pick: Brandon Coleman, OT
Coleman has one of the highest YAS scores, regardless of position. His force calculations (mass x acceleration) suggest that he can be a people-mover as a starting Guard instantly, and his movement numbers suggest he can thrive in a zone scheme. His overall OT score suggests that, after this year, he can take over one of the tackle slots. Fisher has passing YAS score, but it is not indicative of the versatility and ceiling that Coleman has.
- Round 3 Pick 79
Original Pick: Calen Bullock, S
YAS Assisted Pick: Calen Bullock, S
There were multiple considerations here, including CB and DT. However, Bullock has a passing YAS score, and a third-round pick suggests the Texans felt they needed a starter here. There were no other S with passing YAS scores in this range, so we defer to the scouting staff.
- Round 4 Pick 123
Original Pick: Cade Stover, TE
YAS Assisted Pick: TJ Tampa, CB
Stover is athletically limited. If a run-blocking TE is needed, that can be filled in day 3 or with PFA. Tampa is one of the 5 best CB in this draft, and we expected him to be drafted long before this. He has length and significantly more speed than Lassiter. He also has faster turning times than Lassiter. He also has quicker acceleration times than Lassiter.
This is the last pick representing an instant starter.
- Round 6 Pick 188
Original Pick: Jamal Hill, LB
YAS Assisted Pick: Mekhi Wingo, DT
Hill does not have a passing YAS score. DT was a need position for the Texans, and very few DT had passing scores for a 3 technique. Wingo is under sized, but had explosive traits and adequate length. If paired next to a true 1-tech, Wingo can be the penetrating DT required for head coach Ryan’s team. Though not an instant starter, Wingo can contribute on passing downs immediately and grow int oa starter later.
- Round 6 Pick 205
Original Pick: Jawhar Jordan, RB
YAS Assisted Pick: Myles Cole, DE
Jordan did not have a passing YAS RB score. At this point in the draft, there are few instant starting RBs, but numerous backs with passing YAS scores. One is likely to be available as a PFA. Cole was built out of a lab with the instructions “what does a Demeco Ryan DL look like?” He needs refinement, but his physical profile is a long-armed power rusher that works through you, not around you, all while occupying a gap and a half in run lanes. With additional weight, he could even fill the role of a 3-tech in Ryan’s defense. We would have drafted Cole a round earlier than he actually went, but he is a YAS late round darling.
- Round 7 Pick 238
Original Pick: Solomon Byrd, Edge
YAS Assisted Pick: Curtis Jacobs, LB
We would have preferred Jordan Magee and Edfuan Ulofoshio, but both were gone at this point. Jacobs is an athletic WR that can contribute immediately as a coverage linebacker. The Demeco Ryan defense is predicated on a dominant DL that can free up the LBs and secondary to focus on coverage, rather than shedding blocks from IOL. Jacobs has the athletic profile to some day become a better run blocker, but serves a coverage purpose immediately.
- Round 7 Pick 247
Original Pick: Marcus Harris, DT
YAS Assisted Pick: Fabien Lovvett, DT
Under YAS, the Texans would have taken their penetrating 3-technique in round 6, with Mekhi Wingo. Noseguard is a luxury position to fill, given that it is not a 3-down player. However, the ability to stop up the middle has use. There are only three players in this draft class with a passing YAS score as a NG, and Lovvett is one of them.
- Round 7 Pick 249
Original Pick: LaDarius Henderson, OT
YAS Assisted Pick: Blake Watson, RB
Watson going undrafted is one of the big mysteries to YAS. He fills the role of a Tony Pollard (I know, low hanging fruit given they were both Memphis RBs), which is not a feature back, but a useful back. With the new kickoff policy, he can be a weapon on special teams. Henderson did not have a passing YAS score.
Priority Free Agents:
OT: Frank Crum
CB: Mike Victor
DT: Gabe Hall
Edge: Eric Watts
LB: Keontra Smith
OC: Avery Jones
OG: Bayron Matos
RB: Markese Stepp
S: Mark Perry
TE: Shelton Zeon
WR: Cole Burgess