The consensus among the national media appears to be that the Houston Texans had an above average draft.
According to Chad Reuter from NFL.com, the Texans’ nine-pick weekend resulted in an overall B grade. Days 1 and 3 were straight Bs while Day 2 had a grade of B-.
Houston selected LSU cornerback Derek Stingley (No. 3 overall) and Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green (No. 15 overall) in Round 1.
On Day 2, the Texans picked up Baylor safety Jalen Pitre (No. 37 overall), traded up for Alabama receiver John Metchie (No. 44 overall), added Alabama linebacker Christian Harris in Round 3 (No. 75 overall).
On Day 3, Houston grabbed Florida running back Dameon Pierce (Round 4, No. 102 overall), Stanford defensive lineman Thomas Booker (Round 5, No. 150 overall), Oregon State tight end Teagan Quitoriano (Round 5, No. 170 overall), and LSU tackle Austin Deculus (Round 6, No. 205 overall).
The Texans selected a few guys who could be great with their first three picks: a potential playmaking corner (Stingley), a powerful guard/tackle (Green) and a competitive, versatile defensive back (Pitre). Metchie and Harris also could become solid starters if they’re able to consistently secure passes and find the ball on defense, respectively.
Pierce will compete for every yard. Booker’s a smart, active interior player. Quitoriano meets the team’s need for a well-rounded tight end. The Texans should sign multiple undrafted free-agent edge rushers to bolster that group since they failed to select one.
General manager Nick Caserio claimed after the draft that he felt no added sense of urgency to land every pick, and stressed that it will be the players who will determine whether the selections were successful.
“Ultimately, the player’s performance will dictate whether or not he is a good player, he is not a good player,” said Caserio. “If it doesn’t work out, okay, we’ll move on from that player and go find somebody else. That’s our job. That mindset and that thought process is going to permeate our building for as long as I’m in charge.”
The Texans’ nine-man draft class addressed needs and added talent for the near future. It will be up to the players and also coach Lovie Smith’s staff to reach their potential.