Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
He’s a great pickup. They have a lot of LB now though. From a FF standpoint I would have preferred Speed stay in INDY, especially since I have Aziz Al-Shaair on the roster I where have Speed.
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Houston Texans forever - Mixon to miss at least first four games (16 Viewers)
- Thread starter GregR
- Start date
GregR
Footballguy
@Ministry of Pain is looking for someone to GM the Texans in a Shark Pool mock draft if anyone is interested.
GregR
Footballguy
Speaking of mock drafts, just came in here to say every mock I've seen since the Tunsil trade, has the Texans taking either a tackle or guard.
Usually one of:
T Josh Simmons
G Donovan Jackson
G Tyler Booker
G Grey Zabel
Can't say I am read up on them enough to have much opinion. Zabel sounded from what the radio was saying like he could probably play anywhere though probably best fit as a guard.
Usually one of:
T Josh Simmons
G Donovan Jackson
G Tyler Booker
G Grey Zabel
Can't say I am read up on them enough to have much opinion. Zabel sounded from what the radio was saying like he could probably play anywhere though probably best fit as a guard.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
My dream is Miami trades down from No 13 to something like Seattle at 18 and holds both 50 and 52, would like Miami to slide back 5-10 spots and pick up a 2nd round draft pick to add to this year's list of possibilities. Grey Zabel is near the top of my OL list but 13 is too high to take him. I like Zabel for a variety of reasons but he's played almost all of the positions, he's flexible for most OL in the NFL. I'd like Miami to plug him in at LG/RG and then move him to LT or RT in 2026, ideally he would be the LG along Armstead at LT who is close to retirement and then slide over
Chicago, Seattle and Buffalo all have multiple 2nd round picks
@Ministry of Pain is looking for someone to GM the Texans in a Shark Pool mock draft if anyone is interested.
I have volunteered to take them. Open to any suggestions or input from others. My inclination is to try to trade down and see if we can pick up an additional 2nd or more but open to ideas.
Major
Footballguy
@Ministry of Pain is looking for someone to GM the Texans in a Shark Pool mock draft if anyone is interested.
I have volunteered to take them. Open to any suggestions or input from others. My inclination is to try to trade down and see if we can pick up an additional 2nd or more but open to ideas.
Trade up for Warren. It would be so cool to finally have an elite TE
GregR
Footballguy
HOUSTON -- Nickel cornerback Jalen Pitre and the Houston Texans have agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN.
The third-year safety out of Baylor finished the 2024 season with 65 tackles, six tackles for loss and eight pass deflections. One highlight play was in the Texans 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11, when he forced a fumble on Cowboys right tackle Tyler Guyton. That led to defensive end Derek Barnett scooping and scoring for a touchdown in the fourth quarter after Barnett had strip-sacked Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush.
The third-year safety out of Baylor finished the 2024 season with 65 tackles, six tackles for loss and eight pass deflections. One highlight play was in the Texans 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11, when he forced a fumble on Cowboys right tackle Tyler Guyton. That led to defensive end Derek Barnett scooping and scoring for a touchdown in the fourth quarter after Barnett had strip-sacked Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush.
GregR
Footballguy
What history tells us about moving up
In the 2024 draft, the Minnesota Vikings, who were seeking to draft linebacker Dallas Turner, moved up six spots from No. 23 to No. 17. They parted ways with their 23rd pick, a fifth-round pick, and 2025 third- and fourth-round picks.
It was a steep price to pay. The Vikings have only four picks in this year’s draft.
But the Vikings were obviously convinced Turner could make a difference in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' defense. They jumped two other teams who were in the market for an edge rusher.
That’s what Houston must be mindful of.
The Texans’ three biggest needs are at guard, left tackle and wide receiver, with the O-line being their biggest priority.
The Vikings at No. 24, the Packers at No. 23 and the Chargers at No. 22 could all take a guard as they need offensive line help.
The Steelers at No. 21 and the Broncos at No. 20 could take receivers. The Buccaneers at No. 19 need defense. The Seahawks at No. 18 and the Bengals at No. 17 could take guards, too. And the Cardinals at No. 15 could be in the market for an offensive tackle.
The Lions moved up five spots from No. 29 to No. 24 last year while giving up pick No. 73 in the third round. They also got a 2025 seventh-round pick in return. A similar trade for the Texans could include trading up four spots with the Steelers at No. 21, who are also seeking a quarterback and think they can get better value by moving back, or with the Buccaneers at No. 19, who could better afford to move back in the draft.
A trade with the Steelers could look like this: Steelers get No. 25 and No. 79. Texans get No. 21 and pick No. 229 (seventh round).
A trade with the Buccaneers could look like this: Bucs get No. 25, No. 79 and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Texans get pick No. 19.
In 2022, the Chiefs moved up eight spots with the Patriots from No. 29 to No. 21 to draft cornerback Trent McDuffie. They gave up picks No. 94 (third round) and No. 121 (fourth round) to get him.
A similar trade with the Bengals, who own pick No. 17, would look like this: Bengals get No. 25, No. 73 and No. 166 (fifth round). Texans get pick No. 17.
Here’s the thing, though. It takes two to tango. And these teams must see equal value in trading back as the Texans see in trading up.
“You all know, we’re open-minded,” Caserio said. “We’re adaptable, we’re flexible. You’ve got to be ready to pivot. Always have to be ready to pick. We’re going to be ready to pick at 25, until we’re not ready to pick at 25.”
Major
Footballguy
I hate Nick locking up all these young players and giving them sweet deals before it's really needed. Not only injury concerns and lack of player history but when the salary cap dries up due to CJ and Will, I think he's going to regret the precedent we're setting.
Yeah, I am on the record of not being a big fan of Pitre. I know he was greatly improved this past season after moving to the slot, but I fail to see why this signing was a priority. Waiting another year to see if last year's play was an aberration seems like it would have been more prudent.
No idea, pretty much every mock I've seen lately has us going OT which makes sense but they seem to march to the beat of their own drum so who knows. I wish they had been more aggressive pursuing some free agent lineman, the guys they did sign have starting experience sure, but aren't anything more than weak bandaids IMO.
I think there's a strong possibility they move out of the 25 pick no matter what. Either up to target a specific guy or down to take shotgun approach adding at multiple spots. I hope we come away with at least a tackle and a guard by the time day 2 is over or I am going to be very worried about Stroud behind this o'line.
I think there's a strong possibility they move out of the 25 pick no matter what. Either up to target a specific guy or down to take shotgun approach adding at multiple spots. I hope we come away with at least a tackle and a guard by the time day 2 is over or I am going to be very worried about Stroud behind this o'line.
GregR
Footballguy
Yeah, I pretty much want O-line and WR in the early picks, and not a DT. They have seemed to do pretty well with getting production from journeyman DT, if there's a spot I'll take the drop off it's there.
A little worried that our obvious O-line needs could cause us to get jumped by teams moving up.
I tend to favor the trade back approach over trading up though. In this case I'd probably be fine with standing pat at 25 and having a good lineman fall to them though. If they can move back to 27 or 28, sure, but I would worry a bit about dropping too far from there. Though they'll at least be able to see what's there by the time it gets to them. Hopefully teams ahead end up going for other areas. If they could drop back a couple of picks, and use any haul to move up in the 2nd and get a better additional lineman, that would be pretty ideal to me.
Also I'm fine with going for a WR in the 3rd or 4th. Can't count on them finding another Tank Dell, but they've done decent in the middle rounds.
I find myself not feeling I'll be surprised if they go some other direction and BPA at some position we're not even thinking of. Not saying I want it, just I don't know that I'll be floored.
A little worried that our obvious O-line needs could cause us to get jumped by teams moving up.
I tend to favor the trade back approach over trading up though. In this case I'd probably be fine with standing pat at 25 and having a good lineman fall to them though. If they can move back to 27 or 28, sure, but I would worry a bit about dropping too far from there. Though they'll at least be able to see what's there by the time it gets to them. Hopefully teams ahead end up going for other areas. If they could drop back a couple of picks, and use any haul to move up in the 2nd and get a better additional lineman, that would be pretty ideal to me.
Also I'm fine with going for a WR in the 3rd or 4th. Can't count on them finding another Tank Dell, but they've done decent in the middle rounds.
I find myself not feeling I'll be surprised if they go some other direction and BPA at some position we're not even thinking of. Not saying I want it, just I don't know that I'll be floored.
GregR
Footballguy
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has a new offensive coordinator and new power
C.J. Stroud wanted to take more ownership of the Houston Texans’ offense heading into his third NFL season. In new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s system, it sounds like the quarterback will be granted his wish.
Stroud said when he arrived for the start of Houston’s offseason program that Caley’s scheme will allow him to “take control” on the field. That will include him doing “a little bit more pre-snap” and “having the tools to put my guys in the best position.” Those are things that Stroud said the Texans “really didn’t work on the last two years” under former coordinator Bobby Slowik and excite him about Caley as a coach.
“I’m gonna get what I want and that’s been really cool just to see that (Caley has) bought into me and he doesn’t really know me well yet,” Stroud said Monday in his first public comments since Caley’s hiring. “He talked about it today, having blind trust, and I have a lot of trust in him already.”
Stroud’s ability to make adjustments pre-play was limited in his first two NFL seasons under Slowik. That became an issue when teams adjusted to the Texans offense under Stroud in Year 2. Defenses started to take away plays Stroud made when he was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, playing their safeties in two-high shells to prevent him from hitting the deep passes he excelled at in his first year.
The Texans didn’t give their quarterback many answers to combat those adjustments, which caused the offense to struggle and Stroud’s numbers to worsen in almost every statistic. Those struggles led to head coach DeMeco Ryans’ firing Slowik, a longtime colleague and close friend, and replacing him with Caley.
Caley aims to change Houston’s pre-snap philosophy, according to Stroud. The new coordinator is “all about me taking full ownership and running the show,” as Stroud put it. That will include the quarterback having more access to adjust the play and all his teammates on offense, just as signal callers Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady had at Caley’s previous stops.
C.J. Stroud wanted to take more ownership of the Houston Texans’ offense heading into his third NFL season. In new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s system, it sounds like the quarterback will be granted his wish.
Stroud said when he arrived for the start of Houston’s offseason program that Caley’s scheme will allow him to “take control” on the field. That will include him doing “a little bit more pre-snap” and “having the tools to put my guys in the best position.” Those are things that Stroud said the Texans “really didn’t work on the last two years” under former coordinator Bobby Slowik and excite him about Caley as a coach.
“I’m gonna get what I want and that’s been really cool just to see that (Caley has) bought into me and he doesn’t really know me well yet,” Stroud said Monday in his first public comments since Caley’s hiring. “He talked about it today, having blind trust, and I have a lot of trust in him already.”
Stroud’s ability to make adjustments pre-play was limited in his first two NFL seasons under Slowik. That became an issue when teams adjusted to the Texans offense under Stroud in Year 2. Defenses started to take away plays Stroud made when he was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, playing their safeties in two-high shells to prevent him from hitting the deep passes he excelled at in his first year.
The Texans didn’t give their quarterback many answers to combat those adjustments, which caused the offense to struggle and Stroud’s numbers to worsen in almost every statistic. Those struggles led to head coach DeMeco Ryans’ firing Slowik, a longtime colleague and close friend, and replacing him with Caley.
Caley aims to change Houston’s pre-snap philosophy, according to Stroud. The new coordinator is “all about me taking full ownership and running the show,” as Stroud put it. That will include the quarterback having more access to adjust the play and all his teammates on offense, just as signal callers Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady had at Caley’s previous stops.
GregR
Footballguy
Alright. I want OT and OG with two of the first 3 picks. For pick 25 I would rather not move up. I'd even take moving back, especially if it gave them extra ammo to move pick 58 up higher in the 2nd round.
I admit I kind of would like to see the NDSU kid, Grey Zabel. Him and like, Conerly the tackle from Oregon in the 2nd from moving up would suit me well. Actually this was what I saw someone had us do in a mock somewhere. Though I think there are quite possibly better players than Zabel that will be there at 25.
And then would like a WR from the first 3 picks. I would prefer we not go DT there unless someone special falls.
If they deviated and got a top TE early that wouldn't suck, but not my preference.
I don't want to give up future capital to move up much. Better to build capital and use those picks. Nick has done a decent job at finding talent (other than OL) so give him as many shots as possible.
I think then a RB and a DT are positions to target early in day 3.
I admit I kind of would like to see the NDSU kid, Grey Zabel. Him and like, Conerly the tackle from Oregon in the 2nd from moving up would suit me well. Actually this was what I saw someone had us do in a mock somewhere. Though I think there are quite possibly better players than Zabel that will be there at 25.
And then would like a WR from the first 3 picks. I would prefer we not go DT there unless someone special falls.
If they deviated and got a top TE early that wouldn't suck, but not my preference.
I don't want to give up future capital to move up much. Better to build capital and use those picks. Nick has done a decent job at finding talent (other than OL) so give him as many shots as possible.
I think then a RB and a DT are positions to target early in day 3.
GregR
Footballguy
GregR
Footballguy
Updated Draft picks, this year and next year. Draft day trade in yellow
2025
2025
- Round 1, No. 25
- Round 2, No. 58
- Round 3, No. 79 (from WAS)
- Round 3, No. 89
- Round 6, No. 179 (from CLE)
- Round 6, No 216 (from CLE)
- Round 7, No. 236 (from WAS)
- Round 7, No. 241
- Round 7, No 255 (From CLE)
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 2 (from WAS)
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 4 (from WAS)
- Round 6
- Round 7
GregR
Footballguy
Updated Draft picks, this year and next year. Draft day trade in yellow
2025
2025
Round 1, No. 2(traded to NYG)- Round 2, Pick 34 (From NYG)
- Round 2, No. 58
- Round 3, No. 79 (from WAS)
- Round 3, No. 89
- Round 3, No 99 (From NYG)
- Round 6, No. 179 (from CLE)
- Round 6, No 216 (from CLE)
- Round 7, No. 236 (from WAS)
- Round 7, No. 241
- Round 7, No 255 (From CLE)
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 2 (from WAS)
- Round 3
- Round 3 (from NYG)
- Round 4
- Round 4 (from WAS)
- Round 6
- Round 7
Last edited:
GregR
Footballguy
Seems like the OL out there would be a reach at 34. Trade down? Take a WR? Henderson at RB? One of the two top TEs left? Mike Green at edge as a long term replacement for Hunter who you have for 2 more years and will be 32 in that last year?
I wouldn't be upset at trading back further I guess.
I wouldn't be upset at trading back further I guess.
Yeah as I said in the other draft day thread could be any of those. With the OT's thinned out I am kind of hoping someone covets one of Green, Johnson or Sanders and is willing to overpay for it. Otherwise stay put and improve the defense BPA. Burden is still on the board too and many thought he could be a 1st rounder.
They definitely went the "shotgun" approach as I guessed with 3 thirds now. Don't really like no 4 or 5 pick though. I could see a whole mix of different positions wuth these 5 picks on Day 2, going to be hard to say in what order or what positions they'll address.
GregR
Footballguy
ESPN (whoever's rankings are on the web site) and Daniel Jeremiah both have Jonah Savaiinaea as the best interior lineman left. Jeremiah has him 47 overall, ESPN has him 54 overall.
Jeremiah had a number of the OT who went already as 2nd rounders, while ESPN had most but Conerly earlier than they went. Jeremiah has Ozzy Trapillo as his next best tackle, ranked 72nd so 3rd rounder. Followed by Aireontae Ersery at his 83rd player. ESPN has Ersery as their best tackle, ranked 46th overall.
I mean if you go by their rankings, it could be early to take them at 34. Of course, if the drop off is big then people might still reach for them anyway, so if you want one, not sure how far back we'd want to drop back. I suppose I'd look to trade down and if I can get one of those (or whoever they prefer) with where we move to, great, if not then take another position and try to fill the OL later.
Jeremiah had a number of the OT who went already as 2nd rounders, while ESPN had most but Conerly earlier than they went. Jeremiah has Ozzy Trapillo as his next best tackle, ranked 72nd so 3rd rounder. Followed by Aireontae Ersery at his 83rd player. ESPN has Ersery as their best tackle, ranked 46th overall.
I mean if you go by their rankings, it could be early to take them at 34. Of course, if the drop off is big then people might still reach for them anyway, so if you want one, not sure how far back we'd want to drop back. I suppose I'd look to trade down and if I can get one of those (or whoever they prefer) with where we move to, great, if not then take another position and try to fill the OL later.
GregR
Footballguy
ESPN mock for day 2. Have us taking a lineman. Everyone else after us are the players I think we should be looking at if we can't trade back pretty much.
Round 2 mock draft
33. Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns weren't comfortable selecting a quarterback in Round 1, but the front office is able to spend Friday coming to a consensus on Sanders -- whose value looks much better at No. 33 than it did in the top five. The pressure to play him and his pressure to perform are much more manageable in this spot.
34. Houston Texans (via NYG)
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Texans have a remade offensive line and traded the No. 25 pick only to see two tackles go after that spot in Round 1. Ersery is the best of the remaining pass blockers and has the upside to play left tackle long-term.
35. Tennessee Titans
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Titans got their quarterback in Round 1 in Cam Ward, and now they have to build the talent around him. Burden's yards-after-catch ability is the best of any receiver in this class. Last season, he had 370 YAC and averaged 6.07 YAC per reception, the best mark of any wideout in this class.
Follow the 2025 NFL draft
36. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Cleveland needs a tackle here, but the run in late in Round 1 wiped out the top options. The Browns could instead pivot and get an X receiver with the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Higgins.
37. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
It feels like the cornerback position was always a need for the Raiders, but it's an even bigger one now that Jack Jones has been released. Johnson was my No. 7 overall prospect, but he has knee injury questions that have pushed him down the board.
38. New England Patriots
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Green has elite speed and pass-rush potential, and he is ideally suited to play in a 3-4 defense, where his lack of strength and bulk isn't as much of an issue. The Patriots have the right scheme for him and a coach in Mike Vrabel who can take him under his wing.
39. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
After adding tight end Colston Loveland in Round 1, the Bears could give new coach Ben Johnson the speedy, pass-catching back he made popular while he was the coordinator for the Lions. Henderson is electric and the best receiving back in this draft.
Round 2 mock draft
33. Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns weren't comfortable selecting a quarterback in Round 1, but the front office is able to spend Friday coming to a consensus on Sanders -- whose value looks much better at No. 33 than it did in the top five. The pressure to play him and his pressure to perform are much more manageable in this spot.
34. Houston Texans (via NYG)
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Texans have a remade offensive line and traded the No. 25 pick only to see two tackles go after that spot in Round 1. Ersery is the best of the remaining pass blockers and has the upside to play left tackle long-term.
35. Tennessee Titans
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The Titans got their quarterback in Round 1 in Cam Ward, and now they have to build the talent around him. Burden's yards-after-catch ability is the best of any receiver in this class. Last season, he had 370 YAC and averaged 6.07 YAC per reception, the best mark of any wideout in this class.
Follow the 2025 NFL draft
36. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Cleveland needs a tackle here, but the run in late in Round 1 wiped out the top options. The Browns could instead pivot and get an X receiver with the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Higgins.
37. Las Vegas Raiders
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
It feels like the cornerback position was always a need for the Raiders, but it's an even bigger one now that Jack Jones has been released. Johnson was my No. 7 overall prospect, but he has knee injury questions that have pushed him down the board.
38. New England Patriots
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Green has elite speed and pass-rush potential, and he is ideally suited to play in a 3-4 defense, where his lack of strength and bulk isn't as much of an issue. The Patriots have the right scheme for him and a coach in Mike Vrabel who can take him under his wing.
39. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
After adding tight end Colston Loveland in Round 1, the Bears could give new coach Ben Johnson the speedy, pass-catching back he made popular while he was the coordinator for the Lions. Henderson is electric and the best receiving back in this draft.
GregR
Footballguy
2025 picks used
-------------------------------
Round 2 pick 34:
Jayden Higgins WR
6'4" 214 lbs. Iowa State
3 POS RK. 38 OVR RK. 87 GRADE
Jayden Higgins' NFL draft profile
Pre-Draft Analysis
Higgins caught 140 passes for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons at Iowa State and had an outstanding workout at the combine. He is an effective hand fighter with enough speed to beat press coverage. He explodes off the line and sticks his foot in the ground at the top of routes. Higgins creates late separation with his hands and provides the quarterback with a big target, settling in windows against zone looks. He's a reliable pass catcher and wins 50-50 balls, and he can be an impactful runner after the catch. Higgins is strong, his arms are long and he elevates well. -- Steve Muench
Matt Miller's pro comp: Nico Collins
Round 2 pick 48:
Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
6'6" 331 lbs
6 POS RK. 46 OVR RK. 85 GRADE.
Aireontae Ersery's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Ersery didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school. He started one game at right tackle in 2020 and the final 38 games of his college career at left tackle. Ersery's 10-yard split is outstanding (1.75 seconds), and he explodes off the ball on tape. He can pass edge defenders off well to the guard and work up to linebackers as a zone blocker. He takes sound angles climbing to the second level, and he engulfs defenders in space. With a wide frame, Ersery is tough to beat if he wins with his hands as a pass blocker. He's big and strong enough to anchor when his technique is sound. -- Steve Muench
Round 3 Pick 79
Jaylin Noel WR
5'10", 194 lbs, Iowa State
7 POS RK. 48 OVR RK. 85 GRADE.
Jaylin Noel's NFL draft profile
Check out stats from Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Noel stood out the week of the Senior Bowl and had an excellent combine workout with a 4.38 40-yard dash. He impresses on tape, tracks the deep ball well and takes the top off the coverage. That speed makes him a threat to pull away after the catch. Noel tempos his routes and accelerates out of breaks. He knows how to attack zone looks and has the burst to get to his spots quickly. He makes contested catches even though he's an undersized receiver with short arms. -- Steve Muench
Matt Miller's pro comp: Khalil Shakir
Round 3, No 97
Jaylin Smith CB USC
5'11" 187 lbs
31 POS RK. 267 OVR RK. 39 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Smith moved from the slot to the outside last season, and he got better as the season progressed. He improved his ability to mirror receivers' releases as a press corner, and he runs well on a straight line. He still projects best as a sub-package slot corner and special teams contributor in the NFL. He falls off some tackles, but he is a tough and physical run defender who had 75 tackles in 2023. Smith shoots his hands and gets off blocks. He reads receivers in off-coverage, and he does a good job of limiting production after the catch. He intercepted just three passes in 41 career games, but he made an impressive one-handed interception in the Maryland game last season. He should push for early playing time on special teams. -- Steve Muench
Post-Draft Analysis
Smith was one of the biggest risers in the predraft process thanks to a great Senior Bowl week and fast combine times. He is more of a developmental cornerback than true starter as a rookie. Cornerback wasn't high on the Texans' list of needs with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter around, but he could represent a value on the inside with his short-area quickness and long speed. -- Matt Miller
Round 4, No 116
Woody Marks RB USC
5'10". 207 lbs.
16 POS RK. 172 OVR RK. 55 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Marks is a Mississippi transfer who is quicker on tape than his average combine numbers suggest (4.54-second 40 and 35-inch vertical). He gives his blockers time to get into position, sticks his foot in the ground and accelerates through the line of scrimmage. Marks has explosive power, and he falls forward at the end of runs. He also has the hand-eye coordination to make difficult catches. In space, he shakes defenders and breaks tackles. -- Steve Muench
Round 6, Pick 187
Jaylen Reed, Safety Penn State
6'0" 211 lbs
9 POS RK, 116 OVR RK, 68 GRADE
Jaylen Reed's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Penn State's Jaylen Reed.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Reed is a two-year starter with good size and speed. He gets downhill when he reads a run and beats blockers to the point of attack. He has good stopping power and makes plays in pursuit. He breaks on the ball well in off coverage and has the range to cover a deep half when he makes a sound read. Reed reads the quarterback and tracks the ball -- he picked off five passes the past two seasons. He closes quickly, slips blocks and chases with great effort rushing the passer. -- Steve Muench
Round 6 pick 197
QB Graham Mertz, Florida
6' 3", 216 lbs.
(no ESPN writeup)
Round 7, pick 224
Kyonte Hamilton DT
Rutgers
Pre-Draft Analysis
Hamilton started 31 games for Rutgers, where he lined up at defensive tackle and end. He had a career-high four sacks in 2024. Hamilton has excellent upper-body strength. -- Steve Muench
Round 7, Pick 255:
Luke Lachey TE. Iowa.
6'6" 251 lbs
13 POS RK. 184 OVR RK. 53 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Lachey suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the third game of the 2023 season and didn't put up big numbers in Iowa's run-heavy offense in 2024. He averaged 14.2 yards per catch in 2022, though, and has some upside. He is fast enough to make plays down the seam and stays focused on the ball when there's a chance he takes a big hit. Lachey is strong, fights to stay on his feet and drags defenders for yards after the catch. He is a big target who sits in pockets and boxes out defenders working against zone looks. He stays square, works his hands inside and fights to sustain as a blocker. -- Steve Muench
- Round 2, Pick 34 (From NYG) - WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
- Round 2, No 48 (From LV) - OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
- Round 3, No. 79 (from WAS) - WR Jaylon Noel, Iowa State
- Round 3, No 97 (from MIN) - CB Jaylin Smith, USC
- Round 4, No 116 (from MIA) - RB Woody Marks, USC
- Round 6, No 187 (from MIN) - S Jaylen Reed, Penn State
- Round 6, No 197 (from DEN ) - QB Graham Mertz, Florida
- Round 7, No 224 (from MIA) - Kyonte Hamilton DT, Rutgers
- Round 7, No 255 (From CLE) - Luke Lachey TE, Iowa
Round 1, No. 2 (traded to NYG)Round 2, No. 58 (traded to LV)Round 3, No. 89 (traded to JAX)Round 3, No 99 (From NYG traded to LV)Round 3, No 102 (from JAX to MIN)Round 5, No 142 (from JAX to MIN)Round 6, No. 179 (from CLE traded to MIA)Round 6, No 216 (from CLE traded to DEN)Round 7, No. 236 (from WAS traded to JAG)Round 7, No. 241 (traded to DEN)
-------------------------------
Round 2 pick 34:
Jayden Higgins WR
6'4" 214 lbs. Iowa State
3 POS RK. 38 OVR RK. 87 GRADE
Jayden Higgins' NFL draft profile
Pre-Draft Analysis
Higgins caught 140 passes for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons at Iowa State and had an outstanding workout at the combine. He is an effective hand fighter with enough speed to beat press coverage. He explodes off the line and sticks his foot in the ground at the top of routes. Higgins creates late separation with his hands and provides the quarterback with a big target, settling in windows against zone looks. He's a reliable pass catcher and wins 50-50 balls, and he can be an impactful runner after the catch. Higgins is strong, his arms are long and he elevates well. -- Steve Muench
Matt Miller's pro comp: Nico Collins
Round 2 pick 48:
Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
6'6" 331 lbs
6 POS RK. 46 OVR RK. 85 GRADE.
Aireontae Ersery's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Ersery didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school. He started one game at right tackle in 2020 and the final 38 games of his college career at left tackle. Ersery's 10-yard split is outstanding (1.75 seconds), and he explodes off the ball on tape. He can pass edge defenders off well to the guard and work up to linebackers as a zone blocker. He takes sound angles climbing to the second level, and he engulfs defenders in space. With a wide frame, Ersery is tough to beat if he wins with his hands as a pass blocker. He's big and strong enough to anchor when his technique is sound. -- Steve Muench
Round 3 Pick 79
Jaylin Noel WR
5'10", 194 lbs, Iowa State
7 POS RK. 48 OVR RK. 85 GRADE.
Jaylin Noel's NFL draft profile
Check out stats from Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Noel stood out the week of the Senior Bowl and had an excellent combine workout with a 4.38 40-yard dash. He impresses on tape, tracks the deep ball well and takes the top off the coverage. That speed makes him a threat to pull away after the catch. Noel tempos his routes and accelerates out of breaks. He knows how to attack zone looks and has the burst to get to his spots quickly. He makes contested catches even though he's an undersized receiver with short arms. -- Steve Muench
Matt Miller's pro comp: Khalil Shakir
Round 3, No 97
Jaylin Smith CB USC
5'11" 187 lbs
31 POS RK. 267 OVR RK. 39 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Smith moved from the slot to the outside last season, and he got better as the season progressed. He improved his ability to mirror receivers' releases as a press corner, and he runs well on a straight line. He still projects best as a sub-package slot corner and special teams contributor in the NFL. He falls off some tackles, but he is a tough and physical run defender who had 75 tackles in 2023. Smith shoots his hands and gets off blocks. He reads receivers in off-coverage, and he does a good job of limiting production after the catch. He intercepted just three passes in 41 career games, but he made an impressive one-handed interception in the Maryland game last season. He should push for early playing time on special teams. -- Steve Muench
Post-Draft Analysis
Smith was one of the biggest risers in the predraft process thanks to a great Senior Bowl week and fast combine times. He is more of a developmental cornerback than true starter as a rookie. Cornerback wasn't high on the Texans' list of needs with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter around, but he could represent a value on the inside with his short-area quickness and long speed. -- Matt Miller
Round 4, No 116
Woody Marks RB USC
5'10". 207 lbs.
16 POS RK. 172 OVR RK. 55 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Marks is a Mississippi transfer who is quicker on tape than his average combine numbers suggest (4.54-second 40 and 35-inch vertical). He gives his blockers time to get into position, sticks his foot in the ground and accelerates through the line of scrimmage. Marks has explosive power, and he falls forward at the end of runs. He also has the hand-eye coordination to make difficult catches. In space, he shakes defenders and breaks tackles. -- Steve Muench
Round 6, Pick 187
Jaylen Reed, Safety Penn State
6'0" 211 lbs
9 POS RK, 116 OVR RK, 68 GRADE
Jaylen Reed's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Penn State's Jaylen Reed.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Reed is a two-year starter with good size and speed. He gets downhill when he reads a run and beats blockers to the point of attack. He has good stopping power and makes plays in pursuit. He breaks on the ball well in off coverage and has the range to cover a deep half when he makes a sound read. Reed reads the quarterback and tracks the ball -- he picked off five passes the past two seasons. He closes quickly, slips blocks and chases with great effort rushing the passer. -- Steve Muench
Round 6 pick 197
QB Graham Mertz, Florida
6' 3", 216 lbs.
(no ESPN writeup)
Round 7, pick 224
Kyonte Hamilton DT
Rutgers
Pre-Draft Analysis
Hamilton started 31 games for Rutgers, where he lined up at defensive tackle and end. He had a career-high four sacks in 2024. Hamilton has excellent upper-body strength. -- Steve Muench
Round 7, Pick 255:
Luke Lachey TE. Iowa.
6'6" 251 lbs
13 POS RK. 184 OVR RK. 53 GRADE.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Lachey suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the third game of the 2023 season and didn't put up big numbers in Iowa's run-heavy offense in 2024. He averaged 14.2 yards per catch in 2022, though, and has some upside. He is fast enough to make plays down the seam and stays focused on the ball when there's a chance he takes a big hit. Lachey is strong, fights to stay on his feet and drags defenders for yards after the catch. He is a big target who sits in pockets and boxes out defenders working against zone looks. He stays square, works his hands inside and fights to sustain as a blocker. -- Steve Muench
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Major
Footballguy
Makes me think they're anticipating Tank never being the same. Feel bad for the little fella.
GregR
Footballguy
Yeah, I think they are preparing for it at least.
GregR
Footballguy
Looks like we traded 89 for 3.38 (102) and 5.4 (142).
By the way I'm just updating the last post with the draft picks in it instead of making new ones.
By the way I'm just updating the last post with the draft picks in it instead of making new ones.
GregR
Footballguy
Texans 2025 NFL draft picks: Houston takes a pair of Iowa State WRs
Houston makes Jaylin Noel its latest pick in Round 3.
DJ Bien-Aime analysis of Texans picks
Round 2, No. 34 Overall: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
My take: Higgins is a big body receiver (6-foot-4) who has good top end speed having run 4.47 40-yard dash at the combine. The Texans have receiver needs after losing Stefon Diggs in free agency and with Tank Dell's uncertainty after suffering a major knee injury in 2024. Higgins had 1,183 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his last season at Iowa State. So the hope is he can be another playmaker for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud as he joins a receiver room with Nico Collins and Christian Kirk.
Will he start as a rookie? He will most likely start as rookie, but the question mark will be how much of an impact he can have in Year 1. There will be competition for targets after Collins, who's the clear-cut No. 1 wideout, but if he can nudge out Kirk for the second-most targets, that'll mean he's progressed. Also what does this mean for Dell's availability in 2024? Making a wideout the first pick for the Texans could mean they aren't confident Dell will be available for most of 2025.
Round 2, No. 48: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
My take: Drafting Ersery is part of the overhaul this offseason for the trenches on the offensive side of the ball for Houston. It was necessary after the 2024 season when the group allowed Stroud to be sacked 52 times (second most in the NFL) and pressured on 38.6% of his dropbacks (second most), according to Next Gen Stats. Bringing in Ersery allows for more competition at left tackle to compete with free agent signing Cam Robinson.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole? The answer is both. The unit needed an infusion of talent after getting rid of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, left guard Kenyon Green and right guard Shaq Mason, who all accounted for 41 starts combined. The Texans are adding depth to boost competition for a struggling unit. Robinson is the perceived starter, but the Minnesota standout will have a chance to push him.
Round 3, No. 79: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
My take: Noel is a burner who went for 1,194 receiving yards last season and ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. The Texans wanted to add more playmaking depth for Stroud after last season's passing attack was hampered by injuries to Diggs and Dell and with backups Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III failing to step up. So the Texans added Noel after drafting his teammate, Higgins, a round earlier to make sure there's always talented wideouts rotating in.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time? He'll be fighting with Kirk, Higgins and Metchie for playing time, so don't expect him to start early. But he'll push for playing time from Week 1.
I am now finding some articles saying Jaylin Smith was a big sleeper and could go as early as late 3rd. He had visits with lots teams including the Texans.
www.click2houston.com
Texans draft USC defensive back Jaylin Smith after trade in third round
Texans draft versatile defensive back
GregR
Footballguy
So Day 1 we started with:
So pick 79 unchanged. Otherwise we went from 25, 58 and 89.... to 34, 48 and 97. Which wouldn' be good (dropping 9 spots in first and 8 spots in third to gain 10 spots in second)... except there's also a future 3rd gained, plus a 6th this year. Which I'd say we came out ahead on overall then.
- Round 1, No. 25
- Round 2, No. 58
- Round 3, No. 79 (from WAS)
- Round 3, No. 89
- Round 2, Pick 34 (From NYG) - WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
- Round 2, No 48 (From LV) - OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
- Round 3, No. 79 (from WAS) - WR Jaylon Noel, Iowa State
- Round 3, No 97 (from MIN) - CB Jaylin Smith, USC
So pick 79 unchanged. Otherwise we went from 25, 58 and 89.... to 34, 48 and 97. Which wouldn' be good (dropping 9 spots in first and 8 spots in third to gain 10 spots in second)... except there's also a future 3rd gained, plus a 6th this year. Which I'd say we came out ahead on overall then.
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Minor thing but they also gave the 236 to the JAGs and got 187 back from the Vikes. So turned a 7th into a 6th.
GregR
Footballguy
There's a good post in the draft thread, that uses all the trades and 6 different value charts to see who were trade winners and lowers.
Houston was fifth best on the list with a 249 value gain (top pick is worth 3000), and came out ahead on 6 out of 6 of the charts used.
Houston was fifth best on the list with a 249 value gain (top pick is worth 3000), and came out ahead on 6 out of 6 of the charts used.
GregR
Footballguy
Thanks I missed those details. At the end there I was just trying to check what was listed in the charts for our remaining picks and figure out what changed. Will get them updated in the big post.
Major
Footballguy
Sometimes I feel like Nick is the guy at the office who just tries to act busy. So many f'n trades with little if any benefit.
