Battle Red Blog
Texans stay close to home to find their talent in this mock draft
It’s Mock Draft Monday at Battle Red Blog so get your coffee going, get ready for the week, read those morning emails, and procrastinate with us for a while. The NFL Combine is just days away. Hundreds of players are ascending on Indianapolis to improve their draft stock and meet with prospective teams.
For the Texans, they are looking to accomplish two things: find immediate stop-gaps for their next run to the playoffs and develop long-term talent to supplement the roster. For a team returning 10 starters on defense, offense should be the priority. However, knowing GM Nick Caserio’s draft strategy they will draft with an even balance on both sides of the ball.
No trades this time, but expect the post-NFL Combine mock to feature several trade packages.
Houston Texans Three Round Mock Draft 1.0
This WR class is neither as talented nor as deep as in past years, and any immediate need must be filled within the first two rounds. Snagging a wide receiver over another position of need aligns with the best-player-available draft strategy.
The Texans find another gem in a former UH prospect turned Texas Longhorn. Golden was not on analysts’ draft radar before the season, but by the time the College Football Playoffs were in full swing, he had grabbed the nation’s attention with his footwork, catch radius, and yards after the catch. Golden played two-thirds of his snaps out wide, but he has the potential to develop into a transformational option for the Texans in the slot. He possesses the full route tree in his arsenal and can work the field at all levels. Golden reminds me of Terry McLaurin coming out of Ohio State.
Golden would pair well with Nico Collins and would immensely help the Texans, plus still provides a unique talent separate from an ailing Tank Dell. Until Dell’s health is better known and free agency occurs, wide receiver will be an immediate issue for the Texans. Surrounding C.J. Stroud with WR options is as vital as protecting him.
Ideally, T.J. Sanders is still on the board, but the Texans secure a plug-and-play defensive tackle with the versatility to play across the entire defensive line. Collins was the utility player on the Longhorns’ defensive line in 2023, playing behind Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat. When Collins finally got his chance, he helped lead the Longhorns to back-to-back semifinal appearances.
At 6’5” and 315 pounds, Collins has the length and attributes to contribute immediately. His 85.0 run defense grade is among the best in this class and is where he sets himself apart. A former five-star recruit, his feistiness at the point of attack is his calling card. The biggest knocks on Collins’ game are his lack of statistical...
