2024 Texans mock draft roundup: Houston targets defense in Round 2 (2024)

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FromESPN’s Mel Kiper:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Illinois DL Johnny Newtown

This is Houston’s first pick in the draft after it moved out of Round 1 via last month’strade with the Vikings. It owns the No. 59 pick as well. Newton is one of the best interior pass-rushers in this class. He had 7.5 sacks last season, which was the most in the FBS from a defensive tackle. The Texans signedFolorunso Fatukasito aone-year dealthis offseason, but they alsotradedawayMaliek Collins, creating a void at the position.

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Michigan DB Mike Sainristil

Sainristil is the best slot cover corner in this draft. He had 6 picks, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the national champs last season. Houston signed veteranDesmond Kingto play as its nickelback, but I don’t think he is guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster. At 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, Sainristil just makes plays. I’d want him on my team.

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – OCTOBER 14: Cam Hart #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the USC Trojans during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

From NFL.com’s Chad Reuter

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Notre Dame CB Cam Hart

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Texas DL T’Vondre Sweat

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From Texans Wire’s Cole Thompson

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

While C.J. Stroud took center stage last season, DeMeco Ryans’ revival of Houston’s defense deserves recognition. Houston was dreadful defending the run back-to-back seasons before the former linebacker transformed it into a top-10 unit. The pass defense, however, remained lackluster at best, especially when Derek Stingley Jr. missed six games with a hamstring injury.

McKinstry had a formal visit with the Texans during combine, and scouts visited with him at Alabama’s Pro Day last month. He’s a physical cornerback that relies on IQ and technique in man coverage. He’s not a burner by any means, but his long strides allow him to play deep and keep pace with any receiver. This a Ryans-type cornerback if there was such a term. The fact the two share an alma mater and have earned the respect of the G.O.A.T. Nick Saban is just an added bonus.

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Michigan DB Mike Sainristil

There’s dudes, there’s dawgs, and there’s studs. Then, there’s Sainrstil who, call him whatever you want, is a human highlight reel. Imagine if a wolverine could take the form of a person and enter society. That’s Sainrstil, who at 5-foot-9 plays like he’s 6-foot-2 and doesn’t care who stands in his way. Ninety percent of the time, No. 0 is winning that battle.

Sainristil does it all in the slot. He had six interceptions last season, along with two sacks and two forced fumbles. He’ll be relegated to the nickel in the pros, but right now, Houston only has Desmond King on the roster to fill the void. Last season, the Texans’ downfall was their pass defense in shootouts. This year, it’ll be the backbone of an already improved defense

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FromThe Athletic’sNick Baumgardner:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Florida State DL Braden Fiske

The Texans have done an outstanding job bringing in young talent the last two years, and they just added Diggs. The present and future looks pretty bright for Houston, which could add a hard-charging and uber-athletic interior rusher here.

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Blake Fisher OT, Notre Dame

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FromPFF’s Trevor Sikkema:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Iowa State CB TJ Tampa

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Florida State WR Keon Coleman

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FromCBS Sports’ Josh Edwards:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Florida State DL Braden Fiske

Houston addresses a big position of need with the selection of Fiske. The Texans were interested inArik Armsteadand now land on a more cost-effective option in the draft.

Edwards did not a selection for pick No. 59, given he only selected one prospect per team.

Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Ryan Selig (33) and Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate a defensive stop during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 49-30.

FromCBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Minnesota S Tyler Nubin

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Khyree Jackson (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

FromDraft Network’s Damian Parson:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Oregon EDGE Brandon Dorlus

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Oregon CB Khyree Jackson

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) reacts following a stop against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

FromTouchdown Wire’s Cole Thompson:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter

There’s good fits and there’s great ones. Then, there’s Lassiter’s fit in DeMeco Ryans’ defense that should send shivers down the spines of receivers and offensive coordinator. The 6-foot defensive back is a hard-hitting, fluid-type defender that flies to the ball and delivers the final strike. He’s aggressive when playing the run and lives by the ‘Swarm’ mentality that Ryans’ preaches daily. The addition of Stefon Diggs makes the Texans’ draft path much clearer. Cornerback is an underrated need past 2024 at both the boundary and nickel. Lassiter could play both and excel regardless of the formation and coverage.

Thompson did not make a pick for No. 59, given it was only one selection per team.

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the first half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

FromTexans Wire’s John Crumpler:

Round 2, Pick No. 42 (Via MIN) – Texas A&M LB Edgerrin Cooper

The Texans might have shown their hand with interest in Cooper between a public appearance by general manager Nick Caserio at his Pro Day and a scheduled Top 30 visit.

Cooper is a violent tackler with a twitchy first step that allows him to make great plays in both the run and passing game. He could play immediately as an impact player on running downs for Houston and has the athletic potential to evolve into DeMeco Ryan’s next great middle linebacker.

Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Texas DL T’Vondre Sweat

The Texans desperately need a defensive tackle and there isn’t a larger presence they could add to the room than Sweat.

Sweat would serve as an anchor in the run game at the 1-tech defensive tackle spot and could contribute on passing downs by helping to collapse the pocket and providing an anchor for stunts from Ryans’ athletic defensive ends. If he’s available at the back end of the second round, regardless of fit concerns, Sweat could be worth rolling the dice on for Houston.