Houston Texans: Reviewing 2018 rookie draft class

Houston Texans first draft class under general manager Brian Gaine seems to be off to a good start after the first nine games of the regular season.

After having to wait until day two of the 2018 NFL Draft to make their first pick since Texans former general manager, Rick Smith, traded their second-round pick to dump Brock Osweiler’s albatross of a contract and traded their first-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns to trade up and draft quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2017.

Texans have gotten great value with the majority of their draft choices and they have found starters, rotational players, and solid contributors on special teams to help fuel the Texans in their six-game winning streak. It’s still early but the Texans are currently in the driver’s seat to clinch the AFC South division and making the playoffs after going 2-14 the season before.

Since starting off the season with three close losses, the Texans rookie draft class has been able of making big plays when their names are called. Despite the number of injuries that have continued to haunt the Texans roster, the rookies have been capable of filling in for a pinch and have been able to help the team continue to win games despite all the small setbacks.

This draft class has arguably been better and more active than years past, and despite the fact that there are still seven games left, the team has been able to be so successful due to the players being able to play so early in their NFL careers.

The only notable omission from the Texans 2018 draft class was cornerback Jermaine Kelly Jr., who hasn’t played a single down for the team since being drafted in the seventh round due to an injury that landed him on the I.R. for the start of the regular season.