It is possible the Houston Texans will be picking in the top of the 2022 NFL draft.
While draft analysts are focused on the Texans’ first-round pick, which could be a top-5 pick, Houston will also have the benefit of selecting in the mid to late thirties overall at the beginning of Round 2.
Houston could get two first-round talented players to really complete the rebuild.
One player the Texans should consider throughout the 2021 college season is Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph. Anthony Treash from Pro Football Focus has Joseph ranked as the third-best returning safety to watch this season.
Joseph played only 13 snaps in his first season on campus in 2019 before taking a redshirt, but he exploded in 2020 and established himself as one of the game’s top cover safeties. He intercepted six passes while being responsible for only one explosive pass play of 15-plus yards.
It didn’t matter if he was playing single- or two-high deep safety or if he was down in the box or manning the slot, Joseph’s coverage ability was on full display all season, and it ended in a top-three coverage grade among FBS safeties (88.5).
Expect interception regression from Joseph in 2021, but don’t let that change your opinion on the Northwestern safety.
If the Texans choose to move on from Justin Reid, whose contract will expire at the end of the 2021 season, Joseph could be a bridge to another youth movement on the back end. If Houston elects to re-sign Reid, Joseph would a great mentor to acclimate him to the pro game.
The one hangup would be if Joseph decided to return to college. He is a redshirt sophomore. While he would be eligible to enter the NFL draft, he would also still have some seasons remaining at Northwestern. Nevertheless, the Texans need to keep tabs on Joseph in 2021.