Draft season is upon us. With six picks in the first four rounds, Houston is going to fill some of its major holes this offseason. Namely, offensive and defensive line, safety, and running back. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings’ delivered one of the first 7-round mock drafts of the season. It helps set the stage for April’s draft and puts into context what Houston will be prioritizing.
Below is my analysis on the picks and grades for each selection, but you can find Cummings’ analysis and full picks here. My final analysis is at the end wrapping up the class as if it were Houston’s true class.
Round 1, Pick 20: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Grade: A+
- Analysis: Love is the preeminent weapon in this year’s class. There’s no chance he’s around at pick 20… or even later considering Houston is 99% chance to make the playoffs. Love may be the safest bet to be a breakout star and focal point of the Texans offense for a decade. Make no mistake, this is the best-case scenario for Houston.
Round 2, Pick 39: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
- Grade: C
- Analysis: A 6’5”, 315 pound guard is one of the best pass protectors in the nation, but lacks athleticism. Bisontis would be a reach at this point, which is unnecessary with Gennings Dunker, Austin Siereveld, or Blake Miller on the board. Bisontis has middling PFF grades, but should step in to take over Ed Ingram’s role at right guard immediately, even if he played on the left side.
Round 2, Pick 52: Isaiah World, OL, Oregon
- Grade: B+
- Analysis: World is an all-world, prototypical left tackle. At 6’8, 318 pounds, World has the attributes it takes to make it as a left tackle. Problem will be the transition to right tackle; World has only played RT 12 snaps in his career. World is a fairly good mover for his size and certainly is a developmental prospect with top-end potential.
Round 3, Pick 65: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- Grade: A
- Analysis: Goldman has the prototypical frame for a modern day linebacker. His sideline to sideline range is what Houston needs in their linebackers. Outside of the two elite talents from Ohio State, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, Golday possesses the greatest athleticism in this class. He blitzes off the line, plays in the box, and helps guard in the slot. That versatility would be a world class fit in Houston’s defense.
Round 4, Pick 107, Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State
- Grade: D
- Analysis: A tad overkill to draft a third lineman in five picks. Sam hits good run grades but average pass blocking grades. He’s a massive center at 6’4 with two years of starting experience at Kansas State. He did not face much elite talent in the Big 12 this year and will be interesting to see how he plays against stouter defenders who can get under his big frame...
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