With Houston’s 2021-22 NFL season now complete, it’s time for Texans fans to look to the future. Here is the Texans 2022 NFL Mock Draft:
ROUND 1 PICK 3
EVAN NEAL, T ALABAMA
There are a lot of ways that the Texans could go with the 3rd overall pick. While some may think this is the spot to take a lockdown corner like Derek Stingley Jr., the offensive line is where the Texans should go. Despite not having much of a rushing attack, few weapons to throw to besides Brandin Cooks, and being sacked 44 times, rookie quarterback Davis Mills played considerably well. With Laremy Tunsil going down with a season-ending injury, the Texans were forced to mix and match their offensive line. Evan Neal switched from right tackle to left tackle for the Crimson Tide this season. If the Texans are able to retain Tunsil long-term, Neal could play right tackle. If not, Neal could slide over and be a very good pro left tackle.
ROUND 2 PICK 35
ARNOLD EBIKIETIE, DE PENN STATE
With Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux available at the top of the draft, it is possible the Texans could have either one fall into their hands at the third overall pick. If the Texans aren’t able to take a defensive end with their first-round pick, this deep edge rusher class should give them options in the second round. After losing Odafe Oweh to the draft, the Nittany Lions went to the transfer portal and got Arnold Ebikietie. Ebikietie showed great flashes in his lone year in Happy Valley, recording 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. While the Texans could explore secondary options with this pick, having an elite pass rusher is something the Texans have been missing lately.
ROUND 3 PICK 67
JAMES COOK, HB GEORGIA
The Houston Texans tried a ‘running back by committee’ system last season, and it was less than efficient. After controversially trading away running back Mark Ingram, Houston never found any kind of normalcy at the position. The Texans finished the season averaging an NFL-worst 83.6 yards rushing per game. The answer to this problem could come in the form of James Cook. The brother of Vikings’ running back Dalvin Cook, James Cook showed flashes in the two running back system at Georgia. Cook averaged 6.4 yards per carry, and had 11 total touchdowns on the season. If James Cook is anything like his brother, this could be a gem of a pick for the Texans.
ROUND 3 PICK 82
COBY BRYANT, CB CINCINNATI
Minus safety Justin Reid, the Texans don’t have anyone in their secondary that feels like a permanent solution. A step in the right direction for the Texans would be selecting Coby Bryant. Bryant was a ball hawk all year for the Bearcats, ranking 20th nationally in passes defended. He also posses good size for a cornerback, listed at 6’1. Although “Sauce” Gardner got a lot of the attention, Bryant could prove to be a good outside corner in the NFL.
ROUND 4 PICK 129
CHARLIE KOLAR, TE IOWA STATE
The Texans drafted tight end Brevin Jordan in the fifth round of last years draft. While Jordan did show potential, the Texans lack explosiveness at the position. Charlie Kolar has been one of the biggest reasons for the renissance at Iowa State over the last few seasons. Kolar racked up 23 touchdowns and over 2,100 yards in his time as a Cyclone. At 6’6, Kolar also offers good size, and the ability to block in the run game.
ROUND 6 PICK 181
CAM TAYLOR-BRITT, CB NEBRASKA
As the draft progresses into later rounds, teams are looking for depth players. After picking Coby Bryant in the third round, Taylor-Britt could be a nice addition to the Texans’ back end. Despite Nebraska’s struggles, Taylor-Britt was a cornerstone for the Huskers, 6 picks and 18 pass defenses in the past 3 years.
ROUND 6 PICK 199
TERREL BERNARD, LB BAYLOR
Even though Jalen Pitre got a lot of the attention on Baylor’s defense, and rightfully so, Bernard might have been the best defender for the Bears down the stretch. In the Sugar Bowl against Ole Miss, Bernard recorded 17 total tackles and 2 sacks. Bernard could prove to be a great sideline to sideline player for the Texans.
ROUND 6 PICK 209
THAYER MUNFORD, GUARD OHIO STATE
Late rounds of the NFL Draft are mainly used to boost positions that aren’t necessarily deep or for potential special teams fits. At 6’6 and 320 pounds, Munford will most likely be the former and not the latter. Munford could help establish a new, physical brand of football for the Texans.
ROUND 7 PICK 245
SKYLAR THOMPSON, QB KANSAS STATE
Despite not being in a pass-heavy system, Thompson showed plenty of potential in his time at Kansas State. After being used as a dual-threat in his first couple of years, Thompson evolved into a good precision pocket passer. In his bowl game against LSU, Thompson completed 75 percent of his passes, and racked up 3 touchdowns. While the Texans, should build around Mills, Thompson could provide good depth at the position.
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