HOUSTON TEXANS
Round 1 (No. 3 overall) – Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU: Three years ago, he was perceived as a top-five talent following a stellar freshman season. Now that’s come to pass after a circuitous journey. His talents as a cover man are undeniable and were apparent for the 2019 national champions. But Lisfranc surgery limited him to three games in 2021 – a year after he was slowed by ankle issues. But a promising showing at LSU’s pro day – Stingley unofficially ran a 4.37 40 last month – apparently allayed concerns about his health and readiness to play.
Round 1 (15, from Dolphins through Eagles) – Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M: He played every O-line position but center for the Aggies in 2021 but took most of his college snaps at left guard, where he’ll probably remain in Houston. That kind of versatility will be a valuable asset to an offense under construction after ranking dead last in 2021.
Round 2 (37) – Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor: A versatile DB comfortable covering in the slot or roaming the box. He could more than offset the loss of Justin Reid.
Round 2 (No. 44 overall) – John Metchie III, WR, Alabama: Houston deals up for Metchie, who, like former Tide teammate Jameson Williams, is on the comeback from a torn ACL. Metchie had 96 grabs for 1,142 yards and eight scores last season.
Round 3 (75, from Broncos) – Christian Harris, LB, Alabama: Athletic but smaller (6-1, 226) off-ball ’backer who should step right into a starting job given the caliber of Houston’s defense. Posted 51⁄2 sacks and 111⁄2 TFLs for the Tide in 2021.
Round 4 (107, from Seahawks through Browns) – Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida
Round 5 (150, from Bears) – Thomas Booker, DE, Stanford
Round 5 (170, from Patriots) – Teagan Quitoriano, TE, Oregon State
Round 6 (205, from Packers) – Austin Deculus, OT, LSU
Grade: B+
Stingley, Green, Pitre, Metchie, Harris and Pierce could all be opening-day starters for an organization that markedly improved its roster’s nucleus. Stingley might emerge as this draft’s best player.