The Super Bowl is over. It’s draft season.
For the Houston Texans, the 2022 NFL draft has been highly anticipated since the conclusion of the 2021 edition because the franchise will have its full assortment of picks. For the first time in the Nick Caserio era, the Texans can use premium draft capital to address roster needs and build for the future.
According to Nate Davis from USA TODAY, in his post Super Bowl mock, the Texans use their No. 3 overall pick to select safety Kyle Hamilton.
There’s no telling what this team will do given the constant churn of players and coaches. This selection marks only the second time Houston has had a first-round slot since selecting QB Deshaun Watson 12th overall in 2017 – though a change in his status this year promises to entirely change the calculus of the Texans’ draft strategy. All that aside, Hamilton – his 6-4, 220-pound frame is atypical of his position – would be a worthy pick, able to cover, blitz, hit and generally serve as the multi-faceted chess piece so many defensive coordinators (or new head coach Lovie Smith, in this case) covet these days. Back line play was one of Houston’s numerous weaknesses in 2021, and S Justin Reid, a four-year starter, is headed to free agency.
The recent flop of Jamal Adams, who the Seattle Seahawks gave up much to acquire from the New York Jets in the 2020 offseason, has Houston fans worried about taking a safety that high in the draft. However, Hamilton has the ability to be a utility player in the entire secondary, not just get pigeonholed into one role on the backend.
In Davis’ mock, the Jacksonville Jaguars take Alabama tackle Evan Neal No. 1 overall. The Detroit Lions follow up with picking Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson No. 2 overall. Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux goes the very next pick after Houston to the New York Jets.