The Houston Texans far exceeded expectations in 2023, making a run in the NFL playoffs led by rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. along with first-year coach DeMeco Ryans. Now, our Texans mock draft previews what Houston could do in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Under general manager Nick Caserio, the Texans have demonstrated a strong track record in identifying and developing young talent. It’s a promising sign for what Houston’s front office could do throughout the 2024 NFL Draft, strengthening the roster to make this one of the best teams in the AFC next season.
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Houston Texans draft picks 2024
Here are the Texans’ picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- 1st Round, 23rd overall
- 2nd Round, 59th overall
- 3rd Round, 85th overall
- 4th Round, 123rd overall
- 4th Round, 127th overall:
- 5th Round, 164th overall
- 7th Round, 239th overall
- 7th Round, 248th overall
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Houston Texans draft needs 2024
Here are the Houston Texans team needs entering the offseason.
- Linebacker
- Defensive tackle
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Line
- Tight End
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Houston Texans mock draft 2024: Strengthening the Texans roster
First round, 23rd overall: JC Latham, OL, Alabama Crimson Tide
The Houston Texans dealt with plenty of injuries and absences along the offensive line in 2023. This is a solid group, with Tytus Howard returning in 2024. However, Houston’s lack of depth showed at times this season and a versatile linemen who could play multiple positions would be an ideal addition.
Leading off our Texans mock draft is offensive lineman JC Latham, who arguably is a top-20 talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the Crimson Tide, the 6-foot-6 offensive lineman lined up at right guard in 2021 and right tackle in the past two seasons.
Latham brings a ton to the table. Beyond his ability to play guard or tackle for Houston, he also packs a serious punch at 360 pounds. He showed that power throughout his Alabama career, using that strength to control defensive linemen with quick-striking hands. He also moves very well for his size, which allowed him to succeed at right tackle.
Only 21 years old in his rookie season, Latham profiles as a Pro Bowl starter if he hits his ceiling. He’ll use his power to help improve the Texans’ interior run blocking, while his length and athleticism make him a plus in pass protection.
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Second round, 59th overall: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M Aggies
Blake Cashman was one of the breakout players on the Texans’ defense this past season and Christian Harris had his moments, including in the Divisional Round. However, Houston will head into the offseason needing a lot more help at off-ball linebacker.
Staying in the state of Texas, Aggies’ linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is an intriguing solution. he earned All-American honors this past season, using his athleticism to constantly make plays all over the field. He also brings another appealing trait, offering 34-inch arms and a massive wingspan that truly makes him an athletic marvel at the position.
Whatever the Texans need Cooper to do, he can accomplish. Against the run, he posted one of the highest stop rates (15.1 percent) among draft-eligible linebackers in 2023, per Pro Football Focus. While he’s a standout run defender, Cooper also demonstrated outstanding coverage skills and he was even an effective blitzer. That’s the kind of defensive weapon Houston would really benefit from having in the middle.
Third Round, 85th overall: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Nico Collins and Tank Dell are outstanding weapons in this Texans’ offense, but you can always use more talent in a receiving corps. As pointed out by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Ryans and Texans’ offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik know how lethal an offensive weapon like Deebo Samuel can be. While he doesn’t have a clone in the 2024 NFL Draft, Malachi Corley fits that role perfectly.
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While he’s only 5-foot-11, Corley is electric with the football in his hands. This past season at Western Kentucky, Corley ranked 19th among all FBS players in yards per route run (2.78). More importantly for Corley, he posted the fourth-highest yards after the catch per reception (8.6), racking up 683 yards after the catch. Add his dynamic explosiveness to the Texans’ offense and you’ll have a complete passing attack.
Fourth Round, 123rd overall: Nazir Stackhouse, iDL, Georgia Bulldogs
Depth on the Texans’ defensive line was a bit of an issue in 2023. Fortunately, there are always plenty of defensive tackles to choose from in the 2024 NFL Draft. After passing on a few early in our Texans mock draft, Houston welcomes a run-stuffing interior defensive lineman to its defensive front.
- Houston Texans run defense: 96.6 rushing yards per game allowed, 3.5 yards per carry allowed, 19 rushing touchdowns allowed
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, offensive linemen already have enough problems pushing Stackhouse off his spot. Whether he’s drawing a double team because of his size or filling up an inside rushing lane, Stackhouse will get the job done on early downs. The Texans would likely have to take him off the field in obvious passing situations, but his ability to improve Houston’s run defense is still valuable from a fourth-round pick.
Houston Texans 7-round mock draft
Here is our Texans 7-round mock draft.
- 1st Round, 23rd overall: JC Latham, OL, Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2nd Round, 59th overall: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M Aggies
- 3rd Round, 85th overall: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- 4th Round, 123rd overall: Nazir Stackhouse, iDL, Georgia Bulldogs
- 4th Round, 127th overall: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson Tigers
- 5th Round, 164th overall: LaDarius Henderson, OT, Michigan Wolverines
- 7th Round, 239th overall: Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah Utes
- 7th Round, 248th overall: Myles Cole, EDGE, Texas Tech Red Raiders
