The Houston Texans don’t have glaring roster needs — at least not compared to last year when they were 1-6-1 following Week 9. Entering the 2024 offseason will have Houston putting the finishing touches on a roster that should be competitive by that ensuing autumn.
According to Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports, the Texans use their first-round pick in his latest mock draft to take Florida State defensive end Jared Verse.
Verse is too good for the Texans to pass on here. Fun edge-rushing duo with him and Will Anderson Jr. for the long-term future.
Selecting Verse would be an interesting choice at No. 22 overall. What the selection would signal is the Texans allowed defensive end Jonathan Greenard to get away in free agency. However, the club may not be sold on the progress of fourth-round defensive end Dylan Horton and undrafted free agent Ali Gaye.
Going with a defensive end at that point in the offseason also indicates the Texans shored up the linebackers and secondary in free agency. Other picks on the board include Penn State cornerback Kalen King, Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter, and Miami safety Kamren Kinchens.
Greenard has blossomed in his contract season. The former 2020 third-rounder has generated 6.0 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits for the Texans through seven starts. Houston would have to weigh allowing certain production that Greenard provides against the unsure proposition a rookie could bring.
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