Following a 3-13-1 record in 2022, the Houston Texans have attacked the offseason. With the hiring of head coach Demeco Ryan, the team has found its leader.
Through free agency, the Texans have looked to retool their entire roster. On offense, they have added proven veterans in players such as tight end Dalton Schultz, wide receiver Robert Woods, and running back Devin Singletary. On defense, safety Jimmie Ward, linebacker Denzel Perryman, defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins have all been brought in.
In addition to the players that the team has added through free agency, they also extended their star left tackle Laremy Tunsil. With that being said, the team has gotten drastically better since the end of the season.
The Texans now head into the NFL draft with several top picks, including two in the first 12 selections. In total, the Texans are set to have 12 picks over the draft. While in the early rounds, they will look to address major needs, they could also be in search of sleeper playmakers who can make an impact.
This year's draft class boasts depth in all of the areas where the Texans could be in search of playmakers. With a defensive-minded head coach in Ryans, Houston could look to fortify the trenches. Along with this, they could look to add playmakers to the wide receiver room with a rookie quarterback likely stepping under center in Week 1.
With that being said, here are three sleepers players the Texans could target in the draft.
K.J. Henry, Defensive End, Clemson
During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Ryans put together one of the NFL's elite defensive fronts. He could now look to bring that same foundation to Houston. Adding a player such as Clemson's K.J. Henry could fit the mold of what he is looking to create.
While at Clemson, Henry thrived on a talented defensive front. Over five seasons, he recorded 124 total tackles, 63 solo tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 11 defended passes.
This past season, Henry played the best football of his collegiate career. Through 14 appearances, he recorded 51 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six defended passes and one forced fumble.
Along with his 3.5 sacks in 2022, Henry also applied pressure in the backfield. According to PFF, he also added 14 quarterback hits and 34 hurries.
Henry has found success through both speed and his physical style of play. He can attack off of the edge, while also moving to the inside if needed.
If the Texans are looking to add to the edge in the later rounds, Henry could be an ideal target.
Moro Ojomo, Defensive Tackle, Texas
Along with a need for younger players off of the edge, the interior of the defensive line could be an area that the Texans address. The addition of Rankins will add a proven veteran to the mix, but they are still lacking playmakers. Texas defensive tackle Moro Ojomo could be the type of player that can contribute from day one.
Over the five seasons that Ojomo spent on the Texas defensive line, he developed into a strong talent on the interior. In total, Ojomo took the field in 42 games while at Texas. He recorded 95 total tackles, 51 solo tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks during his collegiate career.
This past season, Ojomo appeared in 12 total games. He recorded 32 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks on the year.
Ojomo has the size to be a playmaker at the next level. At 6'3″ and 292 pounds, he can be a force throughout the defensive front. While he isn't the fastest, he could still come off of the edge if necessary. With his strength, he can also take on blockers on the interior.
Ojomo isn't a perfect prospect, but he has the potential to develop into a talented defensive lineman at the next level. If the Texans are looking to add an experienced player to the group, Ojomo, a three-year starter, could be the type of player they are looking to add.
Jonathan Mingo, Wide Reciever, Ole Miss
The Texans have put themselves into an interesting position at wide receiver. With the addition of Woods, they added a proven veteran, but they also chose to move on from their WR1 in Brandin Cooks. Heading into 2022, Nico Collins will once again have the opportunity to step up. In addition, John Metchie III will likely be prepared to make his NFL debut. But the team could still look to add talent to the wide receiver room. Ole Miss's Jonathan Mingo could be the perfect option.
While at Ole Miss, Mingo did not produce the numbers that many thought he would, but he often showed that he has all of the tools to be elite.
Over four seasons, he hauled in 112 receptions for 1,758 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2022, he recorded 51 receptions for 861 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Coming in at 6'2″ and 220 pounds, Mingo has the size to be a threat anywhere on the field. He also has the skill set to be an elite option at the next level. If the Texans are looking to take a shot on a receiver later in the draft, Mingo could be their guy.
Follow Us
Subscribe