Who will the Texans pick in the first round?

By: Jack Brentnall

As a result of the Deshaun Watson trade, the Texans now find themselves with two first-round picks in the 2022 Draft. They have acquired the Browns’ pick at No. 13 overall and have a number of potential options at that spot. Here are three players they should consider.

Garrett Wilson – WR, Ohio State

There is no guarantee that Wilson will still be on the board at No. 13, but if he is the Texans should sprint the card in. They have signaled their intent to build around second-year quarterback Davis Mills, and there is no better way to do that than surrounding him with talented receivers. As things stand, their leading receivers are Brandin Cooks, and last year’s third-round pick Nico Collins.

Wilson would be an immediate starter and offers a true WR1 skillset. His release package is amongst the best in this year’s class and he has shown the ability to win consistently against press coverage. He is also one of the most refined route running prospects you will find, with the ability to routinely create separation at the top of his routes. Both of these traits are vital to translate collegiate success to the NFL level.

Wilson also offers some of the best hands in this years draft class. He is comfortable working outside his frame and showcases excellent body control near the sidelines, logging just 11 drops on 154 career catchable targets. All of this makes him an easy projection to the NFL level and he can be an impact player as a rookie.

Derek Stingley – CB, LSU

The Texans defense was a mess in 2021, particularly in coverage. They ranked 22nd in passing DVOA and 25th in EPA allowed per dropback. Their two starting boundary corners allowed over 1,200 combined yards and eight touchdowns and ranked 117th and 122nd in PFF coverage grade. Getting more talent at the position is an obvious priority, and Stingley would give them just that.

Whilst he might be a riskier pick than Wilson, Stingley potentially offers a much higher reward. A former five-star recruit, Stingley earned All-American honors in his true freshman season at LSU, establishing a reputation as the best cornerback in college football. Injuries have limited his impact since, playing less than 300 coverage snaps over the past two seasons.

Concerns about his durability have seen him drop from a consensus top five player to a prospect who could realistically be in play at No. 13. If he is able to get healthy, Stingley offers everything the Texans could want at the position. He is an elite athlete, running a 4.3 40-yard dash and recording a 42″ vertical. He is comfortable in man and zone, and excelled playing in press coverage. Stingley is also a ball hawk, with 26 forced incompletions throughout his college career.

Nakobe Dean – LB, Georgia

Linebacker might not be the flashiest position on defense, but it is a big need for the Texans. Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham both moved on in 2021, leaving a huge void at the position waiting to be filled. Houston got by with the combination of Christian Kirksey and Kamu Grugier-Hill, who ranked 61st and 74th in PFF grade amongst linebackers respectively. With only Kirksey returning for 2022, they really need added reinforcements.

Dean can be a difference maker on this defense from day one. Whilst he might not be the biggest or quickest linebacker in this class, his combination of quick feet and instincts give him legitimately impressive play speed. He was an integral part of Georgia’s title-winning defense thanks to his excellent run defense and reliable open-field tackling.

Dean is also one of the best blitzers at the position, with 31 pressures and eight sacks in 2021. His ability in coverage also projects well to the next level and he allowed a passer rating of just 43.3 in 2021. This ranked second amongst all Power Five linebackers. Dean can be a solid contributor for the Texans as a rookie and a tone-setter on a defense that needs substantial improvement.