Category: Latest Texans News

Texans select DB Calen Bullock with 78th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have a new safety net in the secondary with the addition of USC defensive back Calen Bullock.

Calen Bullock is coming to Houston.

The Texans selected the USC defensive back with the No. 78 pick of the third round in the 2024 NFL draft on Friday evening. Bullock now joins a revamped secondary headlined by Jalen Pitre, Jimmie Ward and Derek Stingley Jr.

Bullock is the second defensive back Houston picked on Day 2. The Texans secured Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with their first pick in the second round earlier Friday evening.

While Bullock is known for his role at safety, he’s also been effective in the slot. The Texans could elect to move Pitre closer to the line of the scrimmage, allowing the former Trojan to remain over the top in coverage. Bullock also could compete for reps in the slot with veteran Desmond King.

A ball-hawking defender with the ability to fly to the football, Bullock totaled nine career interceptions in his three seasons. The 6-foot-3 defensive back also forced seven incompletions last fall as the top defender of the Trojans’ secondary.

Last season while earning All-conference honors, Bullock totaled two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In 2022, he led the Pac-12 with five interceptions and five deflections.

Bullock might be viewed as a long-term prospect given the Texans’ offseason. Ward, who joined Houston with DeMeco Ryans last fall, is entering the final year of his contract. Pitre, was hit-and-miss in coverage at times, but still should start the season as one of the top defenders.

Entering the draft, Bullock was viewed as one of the top safeties in this year’s class based on his size and athletic ability alone. He adds value with his consistency over multiple seasons and the versatility he brings.

In time, Bullock should be a full-time starter. Should he build off his dominance in the Pac-12, he should eventually be an All-Pro-caliber player under Ryans.

Texans trade up with Eagles for No. 78 overall pick

The Houston Texans are on the clock after making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Houston Texans are back on the clock.

After using their first two picks at their respective draft positions, the Texans moved up eight spots from pick No. 86 to pick No. 78 in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Houston gave up the No. 86 and No. 123 pick to secure a higher draft selection.

This should come as little shock to Houston fans as general manager Nick Caserio has been known for his aggressiveness in trades. Last season, Caserio made a franchise-record eight moves during draft weekend, including trading multiple picks to move up to No. 3 overall and select eventual Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

Houston selected Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter with the No. 42 pick. At pick No. 59, the Texans secured a long-term swing tackle in Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher.

Defensive tackle, linebacker and safety remain the top needs for the Texans entering the third round, though it’s expected that Houston will use the now-No. 78 pick on USC defensive back Calen Bullock.

Texans’ remaining 2024 NFL draft picks

  • Round 4, Pick 127

  • Round 6 (188, from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings)

  • Round 6 (189, from Broncos through Rams and Bills)

  • Round 7 (238, from Saints)

  • Round 7 (247)

Texans select OT Blake Fisher with 59th overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have found a potential long-term right tackle with the addition of Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher.

Teams win within the trenches. It’s why the Houston Texans are building up their lines en route to competing for the Super Bowl.

The Texans selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher with the 59th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Fisher, a two-year starter for the Irish, now is expected to compete for reps at right tackle while serving as a swing tackle.

During his time in South Bend, Fisher started 27 games, 26 of which came on the right side of the offensive line. The 6-foot-6 tackle was a standout during his junior season, allowing three sacks and two pressures.

Fisher said conversations with the Texans began back in Indianapolis at the scouting combine for a formal visit. He later had a Zoom interview with the Texans earlier this month. He said during his interview with the local media that he remains close with former Notre Dame and current Texans lineman Jarrett Patterson.

Fisher was exceptional as a run blocker during his time with the Irish. He has great length and a good balance to win against both defensive tackles and shiftier edge rushers.

The Texans don’t need Fisher to start right away, but having a succession plan in case of injury isn’t the worst plan. Tytus Howard has missed time over the past two seasons, including suffering a season-ending knee injury against Jacksonville in mid-November.

Fisher, who started his career as a left tackle while at Avon High School, said he’d be willing to move inside the guard if asked. For now, he’ll serve as a stable swing tackle option as Houston prepares to secure another AFC South title.

Watch: Highlights of new Texans CB Kamari Lassiter

The Houston Texans made Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter the 42 overall pick, addressing an area of need in the secondary for the upcoming 2024 season.

The Houston Texans made sure to hit a home run with their first pick of the 2024 NFL draft. One could say the Texans landed an “Alpha Dawg.”

Houston selected Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round Friday evening. Lassiter was one of several cornerbacks linked to the Texans from the jump given his play style and demeanor. 

Lassiter, 21, started the previous two seasons for the Bulldogs and was a factor during his freshman campaign en route to winning a national title over Alabama. He his draft stock took a tumble after running a 4.65 40-time at his pro day.

While the speed was a concern, his on-field play left little for teams to complain about. According to Pro Football Focus, opponents targeted Lassiter 39 times, in which he allowed 15 receptions.

Lassiter only allowed 136 receiving yards and zero touchdowns during his final season in Athens. Opposing quarterbacks had a 48.7 passer rating when going after the 6-foot corner in coverage.

Lassiter was a part of a four-pick run on defensive backs. Philadelphia and New Orleans moved ahead of Houston and selected Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Texans picked Lassiter, and the Cardinals followed with Rutgers DB Max Melton.

The Texans needed a cornerback, and free agent signings Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson expect to compete for the starting role opposite third-year star Derek Stingley Jr. Both signings are for one year, so Lassiter may sit for a year or move to nickel or safety.

“I feel like I can play anywhere. Texans fans you’re getting the ultimate competitor,” Lassiter said to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. “I look forward to playing for coach Ryans.”

Texans select CB Kamari Lassiter with 42nd overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

The Houston Texans have found their No. 2 cornerback in Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with the 42nd overall pick.

The Houston Texans have a new defensive back joining the squad.

After watching a run on cornerbacks to begin the second round, Houston secured the services of Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter with the 42nd overall selection. Lassiter was one of several defensive backs linked to the Texans throughout the pre-draft process.

A two-time national championship for the Bulldogs, Lassiter joins a revamped roster headlined by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. He’s a fluid corner known for his physical demeanor and ability to win at the point of attack in man coverage.

Last season in Athens, Lassiter totaled 37 tackles and eight pass breakups. He was a three-year starter for the Dawgs, known for his alpha mentality in the huddle.

According to Pro Football Focus, only allowed two touchdowns in coverage, both coming in 2022. He also finished his Bulldogs’ career with 14 pass deflections and three sacks.

While known for his mean streak on the edge, Lassiter has the skills to be a nickel defender as well. He began his career splitting reps as a slot cornerback in 2021 before moving to the outside permanently in 2022.

Lassiter still has room to grow, but the upside is there. One major concern among scouts has been in tendencies to grab onto receivers after losing at the line of scrimmage.

Under second-year coach DeMeco Ryans, Lassiter should translate into a standout corner with upside as a No. 2 cornerback opposite potential All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr.

Watch: C.J. Stroud reacts to Florida WR Ricky Pearsall being drafted

C.J. Stroud was not happy Thursday night watching the San Francisco 49ers land one of his favorite receiver prospects in the NFL draft.

Every quarterback in today’s game requires a trustworthy receiver if they hope to have a budding NFL career. For the Houston Texans, C.J. Stroud has three pass-catchers who have his back. 

Four, if you include the recently acquired Stefon Diggs from Buffalo. 

While Stroud loves his playmakers at NRG Drive, it’s always about adding more talent. The former Ohio State star would have lost his mind if Houston secured the services of former Buckeyes teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. 

That was always a pipeline thought since Harrison was the consensus top receiver and the first non-quarterback selected fourth overall by the Cardinals Thursday night in the NFL draft.

But who was Stroud’s second-favorite target in the draft? Based on his reaction to the pick, new 49ers receiver and former Florida standout Ricky Pearsall took home the silver medal.

While hosting the NFL draft show alongside Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons on Bleacher Report, Stroud audibly groaned and covered his face when Pearsall came off the board with the No. 31 pick.

Much to his dismay, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year didn’t realize the speedster was even on San Francisco’s radar.

“We probably weren’t going to get a receiver, but shoutout to Pearsall, though,” Stroud said.

A transfer from Arizona State, Pearsall totaled 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns in his final season at Florida. He also rushed for two touchdowns amid a 5-7 finish under second-year coach Billy Napier. 

Much like during his time in Gainsville, Stroud believes Pearsall could be a legitimate No. 1 vertical threat in Kyle Shanahan’s personnel. 

“In that offense, Kyle (Shannahan) is going to dial it up for him,” Stroud said. “That’s why I felt like he was going to fit in our system so well.” 

A projected Day 2 pick, Pearsall elevated his stock during the pre-draft process. He thrived at the Senior Bowl running routes as the top target, and carried that same pedigree over to last month’s scouting combine.

Pearsall posted a 4.41-second 40-time and recorded a 42-inch vertical jump. If that wasn’t enough, he finished off his workout with 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Houston, which owns two picks in the second round at No. 42 and No. 59, likely won’t target a receiver that early. Even if Pearsall came within reach, the Texans have dire needs definitely, including defensive tackle and cornerback. 

Stroud knew entering Thursday that adding a pass-catcher on Day 2 seemed far-fetch after Houston traded for Diggs earlier this month. Even with both Diggs and Nico Collins entering contract years, the Texans still have Tank Dell, John Metchie III and Dalton Schultz signed to multi-year contracts through 2025. 

Even if Stroud figured out that Pearsall wasn’t coming to NRG Stadium, a man could still dream, right? 

“I wanted him bad,” Stroud said. “Especially, before we didn’t know we were going to get Stef (Diggs). Pearsall was my guy. That’s the one I wanted.” 

The Texans might add a receiver at some point on Day 3, but it’s the one position where depth isn’t required. On top of the five mentioned targets, Houston also has Robert Woods, Noah Brown, Xavier Hutchinson and tight end Brevin Jordan back in the mix. 

New Texans WR Stefon Diggs gives high praise to QB C.J. Stroud

In his first public interview since being traded to the Houston Texans, Stefon Diggs gave high praise to Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

C.J. Stroud was sleeping back in Los Angeles when the Houston Texans traded for Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

He didn’t know until he was washing his face why everyone was sending him text messages asking if he was good. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is feeling better knowing his dynamic duo of receivers just became a tremendous trio. 

Diggs, one of the league’s top pass-catchers since 2018, feels the same way about coming to H-Town. He knew when he met Stroud back at the Pro Bowl in February that the gunslinger was built differently. 

“He’s a hell of a quarterback, he’s a hell of a leader. As you watched those guys throughout the season last year, you kind of started to see them build something really special,” Diggs said during the NFL draft broadcast on Bleacher Report Thursday evening. “(Stroud) as a quarterback, and as you see him lead his team, it was something that we all kind of got excited about. You kind of noticed it around the league. If you weren’t watching, you heard about it.“

Thursday marked the first public comments from the new Texans’ receiver since the trade earlier this month. Houston sent Buffalo a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs’ old team, for the All-Pro target and a sixth-round pick. 

Stroud, who became the fifth passer to throw for 4,000 yards as a rookie, had no idea back at the Pro Bowl that Diggs would later become his teammate. He said their first meeting went well, mostly being centered around Diggs’ kids and his nephew, Aaiden. 

After the Pro Bowl, Stroud and Diggs remained in contact. Here is where the six-time 1,000-yard playmaker saw a different version of the wunderkind found at NRG Stadium.

“In the offseason, the more conversations I had with him on a personal level, it was easy to fall in love with a quarterback like that,” said Diggs. 

Houston’s offense ranked seventh in passing last season with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. All three are back looking for better numbers and a chance to claim a conference title. 

The addition of Diggs only fortifies Houston’s passing attack as it moves into a first-place schedule. Diggs, 30, will also be playing for a new contract as the Texans voided the final three years of his deal to make him a free agent. 

It’s hard to imagine the Texans’ regressing with another year of the same personnel. Bobby Slowik is back as offensive coordinator. Houston also bulked up its rushing attack by trading for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from Cincinnati. 

Diggs, who will wear No. 1 for the first time since college, completes the H-Town trifecta. One shouldn’t be surprised to see No. 7 (Stroud), connecting with No. 1 and No. 3 (Dell) all around The Loop in 2024. 

New Texans WR Stefon Diggs gives high praise to QB C.J. Stroud

In his first public interview since being traded to the Houston Texans, Stefon Diggs gave high praise to Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

C.J. Stroud was sleeping back in Los Angeles when the Houston Texans traded for Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

He didn’t know until he was washing his face why everyone was sending him text messages asking if he was good. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is feeling better knowing his dynamic duo of receivers just became a tremendous trio. 

Diggs, one of the league’s top pass-catchers since 2018, feels the same way about coming to H-Town. He knew when he met Stroud back at the Pro Bowl in February that the gunslinger was built differently. 

“He’s a hell of a quarterback, he’s a hell of a leader. As you watched those guys throughout the season last year, you kind of started to see them build something really special,” Diggs said during the NFL draft broadcast on Bleacher Report Thursday evening. “(Stroud) as a quarterback, and as you see him lead his team, it was something that we all kind of got excited about. You kind of noticed it around the league. If you weren’t watching, you heard about it.“

Thursday marked the first public comments from the new Texans’ receiver since the trade earlier this month. Houston sent Buffalo a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs’ old team, for the All-Pro target and a sixth-round pick. 

Stroud, who became the fifth passer to throw for 4,000 yards as a rookie, had no idea back at the Pro Bowl that Diggs would later become his teammate. He said their first meeting went well, mostly being centered around Diggs’ kids and his nephew, Aaiden. 

After the Pro Bowl, Stroud and Diggs remained in contact. Here is where the six-time 1,000-yard playmaker saw a different version of the wunderkind found at NRG Stadium.

“In the offseason, the more conversations I had with him on a personal level, it was easy to fall in love with a quarterback like that,” said Diggs. 

Houston’s offense ranked seventh in passing last season with Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz. All three are back looking for better numbers and a chance to claim a conference title. 

The addition of Diggs only fortifies Houston’s passing attack as it moves into a first-place schedule. Diggs, 30, will also be playing for a new contract as the Texans voided the final three years of his deal to make him a free agent. 

It’s hard to imagine the Texans’ regressing with another year of the same personnel. Bobby Slowik is back as offensive coordinator. Houston also bulked up its rushing attack by trading for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from Cincinnati. 

Diggs, who will wear No. 1 for the first time since college, completes the H-Town trifecta. One shouldn’t be surprised to see No. 7 (Stroud), connecting with No. 1 and No. 3 (Dell) all around The Loop in 2024. 

C.J. Stroud dream team? Texans QB builds super offense against Micah Parsons

C.J. Stroud and Micah Parsons went head-to-head against one another in building a roster set to win a one-man game in the fourth quarter.

C.J. Stroud is building an offense for 2024, and he’s looking to take down the Dallas Cowboys.

Technically, he’s looking to take down Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parson.

During the latest episode of “The Edge with Micah Parsons podcast,” the Houston Texans quarterback was asked to build a team that could score on fourth down. Parsons was tasked with creating a defense that could make a stop inside the red zone.

Stroud started off by naming his ideal set of offensive teammates, rattling off countless talents who are game-changers. Of course, the rookie made sure to retain some Texans’ on the roster, including rookie receiver Tank Dell and All-Pro tackle Laremy Tunsil on the blindside.

Other names on the staff include Ja’Marr Chase, Davante Adams, Travis Kelce and Jahmyr Gibbs.

For Parsons, the usual suspects came on the screen. Alongside Parsons include Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, and Chris Jones on the defensive line. If that’s not scary enough, Parsons secured a secondary featuring Sauce Gardner, Kyle Hamilton, Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James.

Who would win? The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year fresh off a division title? Is it the defender set on terrorizing quarterbacks every snap?

Even if these two never see the game of all-stars come to life, Stroud and Parsons will meet next season in what hopes to be one of the league’s top games. Many in the Lone Star State expect the matchup to happen on Thanksgiving, adding a bit more pizzazz to the holiday season. 

On top of seeing Stroud and Parsons go out on the field like they do on the microphone, Houston and Dallas would provide another rivalry. With Stefon Diggs a member of the Texans, he’ll now get a chance to face off against younger brother Trevon in coverage. 

After seeing Houston excel with Stroud commanding the huddle, the Texans are built to compete for a Super Bowl. So is Dallas, though it hasn’t made it past the divisional round in nearly three decades, so the matchup at AT&T Stadium should have more than enough talking points to get families through the year. 

As for the holidays, all bets are off. 

Texans sit at No. 6 in PFF’s power rankings ahead of NFL draft

Pro Football Focus is high on the Houston Texans’ future following a promising free agency period.

The Houston Texans might not be on the clock on Thursday evening during the 2024 NFL draft, but they’ve caught the attention of national pundits heading into the regular season. 

As teams prepare to land a hopeful franchise cornerstone during the first round, Pro Football Focus released its annual NFL Power Rankings following free agency. The Texans, who own two second-round picks, cracked the top 10 at No. 6 after an eventual free agency filled with lucrative extensions and influential trades. 

The Texans made the most of free agency, bringing in Stefon Diggs, Danielle Hunter and Joe Mixon, to name but a few. – PFF

Diggs and Mixon were trade targets brought in to elevate the offense under franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. After finishing seventh in passing last season, Houston made sure to bolster its air raid attack, sending a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings to Buffalo in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler. 

Diggs, 30, won’t have to be the top weapon like he was for Josh Allen and the Bills, but rather a complementary piece opposite Tank Dell and Nico Collins. Last season, Collin proved his No. 1 capabilities after becoming the third receiver in franchise history to finish with 1,200 yards in a single season. 

Dell, the Texans’ third-round pick out of Houston, was on pace to finish with 1,205 receiving yards before suffering a season-ending injury in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. The speedster finished with 709 yards and seven TDs while Collins ranked top 10 in both receiving yards (1,297) and touchdowns (8). 

Mixon headlines a backfield that was insufficient last season behind a combination of Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce. Acquired for a seventh-round pick, Mixon quickly received a three-year, $27 million contract extension, including $13 million guaranteed. 

The Texans finished 22nd overall in rushing and 29th in yards per run. After Singletary, three other runners averaged 3.1 yards per carry and combined for three touchdowns. 

Since being drafted out of Oklahoma in 2017, Mixon has been one of the league’s more stable runners. He’s posted 1,2000 scrimmage yard seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. 

“Joe has been a productive player, pretty consistent player, and we think he can help our team,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said last week. “We’re glad he’s here hopefully for a few more years.” 

Hunter headlines the defensive additions after a dominant final season with the Vikings where he led the league in tackles for loss with 23.5. Hunter, a Katy native who played at Morton Ranch High School, also finished top five in sacks with 16.5. 

Signed to a two-year deal worth up to $51 million, Hunter replaces Jonathan Greenard as the team’s new hopeful sack leader. Replacing tackle leader Blake Cashman is former Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who finished top-five nationally in tackles with 163 stops. 

Hunter and Al-Shaair were the mainstays of defensive additions, but not the only ones. Houston also agreed to terms with cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson, linebacker Jacob Phillips and defensive linemen Denico Autry and Foley Fatukasi. 

Among AFC teams, the Texans ranked third, trailing only defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City and Baltimore. The Ravens get the nod after beating Houston twice last season, including at home in the divisional round.Â