Tag: Houston Texans

YouTuber Sketch (of “What’s up, brother?” fame) announced the Texans’ fourth-round pick at the 2024 NFL Draft

What’s up, brother?

You never know who might come out to announce a pick at the NFL Draft.

To announce one of Saturday’s fourth-round picks, Houston Texans megafan and popular YouTuber Sketch came to the stage to share that Ohio State tight end Cade Stover was headed to H-Town.

Stover is Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s old teammate, which makes the pick even sweeter.

Sketch’s “What’s up, brother?” catchphrase has turned into a major internet meme, and he’s turned into one of the most prominent Texans fans out there as his star has risen online.

A freshly minted Houston celebrity making the trip up to Detroit to announce the Texans’ draft pick is a lot of fun, and we bet fans absolutely loved seeing Sketch representing the fan base at the 2024 NFL Draft.

We bet this won’t be the last NFL Draft where Sketch makes a pick for his Texans.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN.Ā 

Houston Texans receive NFL draft grade for Calen Bullock pick

Houston got good marks for the Calen Bullock draft pick.

The pick is in, and so is the NFL draft grade. The Houston Texans took USC’s Calen Bullock with the No. 78 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, grabbing the Trojan in the third round. USA TODAY Sports offered a draft grade for the Bullock.

“Bullock’s coverage credentials are unimpeachable, as his range and playmaking prowess rank among the best in this safety class. But the 6-2, 188-pounder is a liability against the run at the moment.”

The grade: B.

There was discussion at the NFL scouting combine and in the run-up to the draft about Bullock potentially being moved from the safety position he played at USC to a cornerback spot in the NFL. This conversation raised the point that Alex Grinch and Donte Williams did not do an especially good job of preparing Bullock for the NFL. Indeed, Bullock had been discussed as a possible second-round pick before the 2023 USC season. In that context, his draft stock was not boosted by his years at USC. However, in light of the damage done to his profile by Grinch and Williams, landing in the top 80 is not that bad a result, all things considered.

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NFL draft: Top players still remaining on Day 3

With the NFL draft entering the final four rounds, here are top players remaining on the board entering Day 3.

The first two nights of the 2024 NFL Draft saw the teams select the first 100 prospects over the three rounds. Now it’s time for the remaining four rounds, kicking off on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET in downtown Detroit.

The second and third rounds chewed down a big portion of the top available players from my overall big board. There are still several players on the board who graded out much higher than they’ll wind up being selected, however. Teams can find some values and sleepers in Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.

Here are the top 60 players remaining into Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft.

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.

Texansā€™ 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.

NFL Draft: Houston Texans pick Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher in 2nd round

Big Blake has a new home!

The second round of the 2024 NFL draft saw a second Notre Dame offensive lineman selected. Tackle [autotag]Blake Fisher[/autotag] was selected 59th by the Houston Texans.

Fisher started at right tackle the last two seasons for Notre Dame after being the starting left tackle for the Irish to start the 2021 season, his freshman year. An MCL injury in that first game at Florida State sidelined Fisher until the Fiesta Bowl of that season. By time he returned, Joe Alt had emerged as a force at left tackle.

Fisher checked in at 6 feet, 6 inches and 310 pounds at the NFL combine.Ā  He’ll be tasked with helping protect quarterback CJ Stroud after an all-time rookie year for the former Ohio State quarterback.

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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.

Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter goes No. 42 overall to the Houston Texans in 2024 NFL draft

Lassiter will join a Texans cornerback room that includes Derek Stingley and former first-rounder Jeffrey Okudah. He will have a chance to compete for playing time right away in Houston under defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans.

The first Georgia Bulldogs defensive player came off the board in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 42nd pick.

Lassiter joined the Bulldogs as a four-star recruit in the class of 2021 from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He saw limited playing time as a freshman before starting during his final two seasons with the Bulldogs. Over the course of his career, Lassiter recorded 86 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack, an interception and 14 passes defended.

Lassiter showcased his ability as a lockdown corner at Georgia, surrendering zero touchdowns on 39 targets a year ago according to PFF. He effectively locked down one side of the field for the Bulldogs and earned a great deal of praise from Kirby Smart for his leadership of the defense.

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Lassiter will join a Texans cornerback room that includes Derek Stingley and former first-rounder Jeffrey Okudah. He will have a chance to compete for playing time right away in Houston under defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans.

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.

HeĀ didn’tĀ 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.Ā 

Diggs, one of theĀ league’sĀ top pass-catchers since 2018, feels the same way about coming toĀ H-Town.Ā He knewĀ when he met StroudĀ backĀ at the Pro Bowl in February that the gunslingerĀ was builtĀ differently.Ā 

“Heā€™s a hell of a quarterback, heā€™s a hell of a leader. As you watched those guys throughout the season last year, you kind of started to see them build somethingĀ really special,ā€ Diggs said during the NFL draft broadcast on Bleacher Report Thursday evening.Ā ā€œ(Stroud) as a quarterback, and as you see him lead his team, it was something that we all kind of got excited about. YouĀ kind ofĀ noticed it around the league. If youĀ werenā€™tĀ watching, you heard about it.“

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

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, mostlyĀ beingĀ centered aroundĀ Diggs’Ā kids and his nephew, Aaiden.Ā 

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

ā€œIn the offseason, the more conversations I had with himĀ on a personal level, it was easy to fall in love with a quarterback like that,”Ā said Diggs.Ā 

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

The addition of Diggs only fortifiesĀ Houston’sĀ 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.Ā 

It’sĀ hard to imagine theĀ Texans’Ā 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.Ā 

Diggs, who will wear No. 1 for the first time since college, completes the H-Town trifecta. OneĀ shouldn’tĀ be surprised to see No. 7 (Stroud),Ā connecting with No. 1 and No. 3 (Dell) all around The Loop in 2024.Ā