Houston Texans (Last Year: 10-7)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Texans reached the second round of the playoffs last year, doing so ahead of schedule. Now with Stefon Diggs, Houston is expected to take the next step. To do that, the team will have to find upgrades in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Obtaining some more talent for the secondary will be crucial as well.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The offensive line and secondary were the two greatest areas of need, and the Texans addressed those groups with their first three picks. Two selections – Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock – were used to improve the pass defense, and both were solid choices, earning “B” and A- grades, respectively. The offensive line selection was also a quality pick, as Blake Fisher presents two possible upgrades. Fisher can start at right tackle, kicking Tytus Howard inside to guard.
Houston’s defensive line needed some upgrades as well, though the team waited much longer to fix that area. Two defensive linemen were acquired, but both were taken in the seventh round. It would have been better had the Texans used the fourth-round pick they spent on tight end Cade Stover on someone to help rush the passer instead. Stover isn’t a bad player, but he doesn’t fill a need at all.
Despite this mistake, the Texans did well overall, with none of their nine selections scoring worse than a B-. They didn’t come into the weekend with a first-round pick, but left the draft with an improved roster.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
42. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia – B Grade
This is a solid pick by the Texans. Kamari Lassiter fills a need for the Texans, who suddenly have to worry about all the receiving talent being added to the AFC South. I had Lassiter going in my first round for a while before his stock fell a bit, but I projected him in the second frame.
59. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame – B+ Grade
C.J. Stroud was under immense pressure against the Ravens in the playoffs. The Texans needed to improve their offensive line, and they’re certainly doing that with Blake Fisher, who can provide a big upgrade at right tackle, while also moving Houston’s current right tackle to guard.
78. Calen Bullock, S, USC – A- Grade
I really like this pick for the Texans. They needed to continue to add to their secondary with the improved passing attacks in the AFC South. Calen Bullock is a very instinctive player who makes splash plays, so he can play well right away.
123. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State – B- Grade
The Texans moved up four spots for a tight end. This doesn’t address a need, but Cade Stover is a solid receiving tight end. His blocking is not very good, but he can be a weapon for C.J. Stroud, albeit at a crowded position.
188. Jamal Hill, LB, Oregon – B Grade
Jamal Hill made a name for himself late in the pre-draft process with some positive visits and meetings. Hill projects as a special-teamer, which has become more important with the new kickoff rule.
205. Jawhar Jordan, RB, Louisville – A Grade
I love this pick, as the Texans are adding an element to their offense they didn’t possess. Jawhar Jordan is a small back who can’t handle a full workload, but he has explosive ability that can go the distance, much like Keaton Mitchell.
238. Solomon Byrd, DE, USC – B+ Grade
Solomon Byrd is a bit undersized, so he won’t be able to play too many snaps, but he could be a pass-rushing specialist. He could have gone a round earlier, so this is a nice value.
247. Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn – B Grade
Marcus Harris is the smaller of the two late-round Auburn defensive tackles. Marcus Harris was a productive pass-rusher at Auburn, but he has athletic and size limitations for the NFL. Still, a solid pick in the seventh.
249. LaDarius Henderson, G, Michigan – A Grade
Here’s a nice bargain for the Texans. LaDarius Henderson was projected to go a round or two earlier than this. He can play both guard and tackle, though he’ll likely have to settle for the former in the NFL. Protection for C.J. Stroud had to be added.
Season Summary:
The Texans were perhaps a year ahead of schedule where everyone expected them to be with a rookie quarterback and head coach combo. Nevertheless, they ended up winning their division and upsetting the Browns in the opening round of the playoffs. They eventually lost to the Ravens, but there’s no doubt that the future is bright in Houston.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Offensive Linemen: It became quite apparent during the playoff loss to Baltimore that Houston needs to improve its offensive line. Left guard and right tackle are the big issues, assuming that Juice Scruggs moves to center.
- Safety: The Texans had major problems defending deep passes because of poor safety play. This area must be upgraded.
- Defensive Tackle: Houston must address the trenches on the defensive side of the ball as well, especially if Sheldon Rankins walks away via free agency. Signed Folo Fatukasi and Denico Autry
- Defensive End: If Jonathan Greenard leaves via free agency, the Texans will have to replace him and his 12.5 sacks. Signed Danielle Hunter
- Cornerback: Steven Nelson is another key free agent who will have to be replaced or retained. Signed Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson
- Running Back: Is Devin Singletary the long-term answer at running back? Probably not, but he’s an impending free agent anyway. Traded for Joe Mixon
- Tight End: Dalton Schultz is set to enter free agency as well. Re-signed Dalton Schultz
- Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn has been a reliable kicker for the Texans, but his contract is set to expire. Re-signed Ka’imi Fairbairn
- Punter: Cameron Johnston is also an impending free agent. Signed Tommy Townsend
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Houston Texans Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
