34. Houston Texans: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State Pick Grade: Above Average Higgins was one of the few receivers at the top of this draft class with ideal X-receiver size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, and he added to that physical profile with strong testing across the board at the NFL Combine. He profiles as a reliable possession receiver who dropped just three of his 209 targets over the past two seasons at Iowa State. It’s not the Texans’ biggest need, but adding another weapon for C.J. Stroud makes a lot of sense, given Stefon Diggs’ departure and Tank Dell coming off a major injury. 48. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Dolphins): T Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota Pick Grade: Good The Texans’ offensive line offseason overhaul continues here with the Ersery addition. Over the past two seasons, Ersery showcased an explosive first step and quick feet, allowing him to significantly impact zone-blocking schemes, where his 89.5 PFF grade charted in the 84th percentile. 79. Houston Texans (from Dolphins through Eagles and Commanders): WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State Pick Grade: Above Average Noel brings strength and athleticism to the slot for the Texans. He earned an 81.7 PFF receiving grade with 2.62 yards per route run in 2024, showing good body control on off-target passes and looking explosive with the ball in his hands. 97. Houston Texans (from Vikings): CB Jaylin Smith, USC Pick Grade: Below Average Houston continues to add to a strong secondary. Although Smith posted a career-best 82.5 PFF coverage grade on this outside in 2024, he profiles as a solid option in the slot. He allowed just 0.90 yards per coverage snap and a 59.8 passer rating when targeted this past season.
It's obvious by now that Nick believes in whatever O-line scheme they'll use but won't trust a bunch of rookies to run it. Can you coach your way out of this? Maybe. But if CJ's protection doesn't significantly improve versus last year, you have to wonder if he'll sit across the table from Nick and sign an extension.
Draft Jalen Travis tomorrow to add to the Jay-bird collection And because he's an OL it kills 2 birdies with one pick
This is why I wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't get picked at all. He's not a good locker room guy and he'll bring the circus to town everywhere he goes.
I don't disagree that CJ had a down year (and I was projecting him to be in the MVP race) but the OL was terrible. He can't panic but at the same time he needs to have a clean pocket. He's not supposed to be a scrambling QB. I'll agree with you Slowik was terrible last season at scheming but we still need at least an average OL
I think it's obvious that they don't believe rebuilding the OLine is a one year process and they're not going to waste resources "just because" if they don't believe a player fits the team or what they're trying to do. Could we improve at Guard or Center? Maybe. Would that player be the solution at that position? Not necessarily. I'm not judging them on the idea that the line would be fixed in one year and I'm OK with that if it means that they don't reach or overspend due to short-term thinking. We've signed 2 tackles. We drafted one in the 2nd round the last 2 years. We signed 2 guards. It's not like we've done nothing. It's just not as aggressive or as fast as people would like. But I do think it sets us up to have more competition, add depth, and have roster flexibility to make more moves when available, similar to moves we made on defense a couple of years ago.
FIFY. The Shedeur thing isn't about his "falling draft stock" because, for NFL teams, it was never high to start with.
Exactly what I was thinking. What team would waste even a low pick on a guy that may completely disrupt the team, and eventually be a baby about not playing. He'll definitely be picked though by some team, but it doesn't appear anyone really needs a starting QB now and only looking for serviceable backups.
6-179(via CLE) Jaydon Blue, RB •6-187(via MIN) Thomas Fidone, TE or Jackson Hawes, TE •6-216(via CLE) Luke Candra, OG or Hayden Conner, OG •7-241 Drew Kendall, OC •7-255(via CLE) Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB or Jared Harrison-Hunte DT
He said that he was a top 3 pick in response to an Angel Reese question at the Super Bowl festivities lol. Did not age well. My guess is that he's an elite accurate, pocket QB with below average athleticism, which is a top 16 pick for most QB's with his ability.
We went into this draft with 4 picks in the top 89. We also had a 5th-round pick. We've come out of it with only 3 top-89 players and no 5th-round pick. The draft isn't over and Nick might trade us into the 4th and 5th rounds but as of right now I believe that Nick shorted us a couple of players. Maybe Nick will do something amazing on Saturday to make me change my outlook.
