Finding quality players on the final day of the NFL Draft is not easy to do. Often times players selected end up on the practice squad or fail to make the team entirely. There are other times that a team is able find so-called diamonds in the rough that provide their team with quality production. The Houston Texans hope that their picks on day three of the 2018 NFL Draft fall into the latter category.
Keke Coutee – Wide Receiver
Keke Coutee is a receiver with explosive speed that has the opportunity to thrive in the middle of the field. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller will garner the most attention from the defense which can allow Coutee to have a favorable matchup. Coutee can also produce in the return game and could end up as their primary return man as soon as this season.
The only concern with Coutee’s skill set is that his route running is a little bit rough. Time will need to spent to polish up his route running and make him more than just a speed receiver. In addition Coutee’s skill set is similar to that of Fuller which can allow both players to take the top off the defense as long as Hopkins stays on the field.
Duke Ejiofor – Defensive End
The Texans added some depth to their defensive line by selecting Duke Ejiofor. Ejiofor is a defensive end who can fit in with their current defensive line rotation nicely.
Ejiofor is excellent with his hands and is able to power through blockers to make plays. The main issue with Ejiofor is that he is not naturally athletic which makes him appear stiff at times. Eljiofor will not make dynamic plays on a consistent basis like J.J. Watt or Jadaveon Clowney, however he can excel in sub-packages and rotate with others on the line.
Jordan Thomas – Tight End
The Texans knew that tight end was a hole on the roster coming into the draft. Houston doubled-down on the position by taking Jordan Thomas the day after taking Jordan Akins on day two.
Thomas is a project. Thomas’ route running skills are not pretty and struggles against press coverage. However Thomas was not selected for his current skills. Thomas is a physical freak. Standing 6’6″ and 265 pounds, Thomas has the size to get position against defenders and take advantage of smaller defenders.
Like Akins, Thomas is more of a receiver than traditional tight end. Thomas will be best suited split out wide taking advantage in the slot against smaller defensive backs and slower linebackers. The Texans are hoping that either Akins or Thomas can replace the recently retired C.J. Fiedorowicz.
Peter Kalambayi – Linebacker
Another rotational player for the Texans. Peter Kalmabayi can fit well with the Texans group of linebackers and potentially in time see meaningful playing time.
Kalambayi possesses great athleticism and has the ability to get to the quarterback. However the issue with Kalambayi is that his recognition skills are not quite up to par. This hesitation can cause Kalambayi to get beat on play-action or RPO’s. If Kalambayi can diagnose plays quicker he can be a productive player for the Texans defense.
Jermaine Kelly – Cornerback
The final pick for the Texans was San Jose State cornerback Jermaine Kelly. Kelly is a player who needs a lot of development and does not project to contribute as a rookie. In time Kelly can provide the Texans with some production but anything immediate should be counted on. Kelly should spend some time on the practice squad, that is he remains on the Texans roster after the preseason.
All scouting report information is from the assessments of Lance Zierlein of NFL.com