The Houston Texans selected Tytus Howard with the 23rd overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft, and there were many opinions on the selection.
Houston Texans fans and NFL Draft experts all let their opinions be known following the Houston Texans drafting Tytus Howard at 23rd overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, as it was an unexpected choice with many other higher-profile offensive tackles left on the board.
The Philadelphia Eagles jumped ahead of the Texans, as they traded for the 22nd overall pick and selected offensive tackle Andre Dillard of Washington State, whom the Texans were rumored to be interested in as well.
Either way, the Texans picked Howard from Alabama State as their newest tackle, and they now have begutn their work to make their offense better by improving their offensive line.
The moment Tytus Howard became a Texan.#TexansDraft | @levelstothis_2
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 26, 2019
📺: #NFLDraft April 25-27 on ABC/ESPN/NFLN pic.twitter.com/5aIkYX7VJ2
First is the moment the Texans shocked some by selecting the somewhat nationally unknown Howard from Alabama State with the 23rd overall pick.
With the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 #NFLDraft – the Houston Texans select Alabama State OT Tytus Howard! pic.twitter.com/GZxcZzJwQB
— PFF (@PFF) April 26, 2019
Great pick by the @texans! Just because you don’t know his name doesn’t mean he wasn’t the right pick. Tytus Howard has a very high ceiling. Proved he could play against top competition at @seniorbowl. We don’t sleep on HBCUs. Darius Leonard last year and Tytus this year. pic.twitter.com/6qbfKmxsY7
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 26, 2019
Some in the media were very high on Howard and believed the Texans made the right choice by selecting Howard. Though it will take more work on his part, Howard has the abilities to become a very solid player in the NFL.
The Texans needed a left tackle and Howard was one of three true left tackles available in the first 50 picks. I have to tell you, what he does and how he plays reminds me of Duane Brown when he came out of Virginia Tech. Needs work, but talentedhttps://t.co/NskHGz03RN
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 26, 2019
Lance Zierlein has high praise for Howard, comparing him to former Texans left tackle Duane Brown, who played very well during his time with the Texans. Brown played parts of 10 seasons with the Texans after being the 26th overall pick in 2008.
I like Tytus Howard and his potential. His ceiling is higher than most of the guys that play tackle in this draft. That being said, he has to have time to develop. Manage your expectations on him early #Texans fans.
— Wade Smith (@Smitty74allday) April 26, 2019
Wade Smith played four of his 11 seasons in the NFL with the Texans and knows a thing or two about being an NFL offensive lineman. He believes Howard is a work in progress and wants fans to give Howard time to improve.
Texans told Tytus Howard he could play left tackle, right tackle or guard. He said he can play anywhere.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 26, 2019
The Texans beat reporter Aaron Wilson pointed out that Howard can play a variety of positions. That is good news for the Texans because they need improvement at more than one spot on the offensive line.
Wow. Tytus Howard of Alabama State goes first round ... meanwhile Jawaan Taylor of Florida still on the board.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) April 26, 2019
Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports seems to have the feeling the Texans should have gone with another offensive tackle.
Tytus Howard is the best tackle of the draft class #speakingitintoexistence
— Tony (@unoearr) April 26, 2019
I’m not mad at the Tytus Howard pick, but you were ONE SPOT AWAY from Andre Dillard. 🤦♂️
— Matt Weaver (@matteweaver) April 26, 2019
The point of Texans fans realizing how close they were to drafting Andre Dillard, a player many believed was the best offensive tackle in the entire draft.
Don’t get me wrong I really hope Tytus does well but man felt like there was more value available #nfl #NFLDraft19 #texans #HoustonTexans #nfldraft #tytus #tytushoward
— Alex (@ISG_TEXAN) April 26, 2019
Though there could be some doubt, Texans fans are going to give Howard a good chance for his success, because the better he is, the better quarterback Deshaun Watson and the rest of the franchise will be.
That hope could be even without an NFL snap, he is probably already better than some of the offensive lineman from last season. No matter what fans or experts think or are angry about, the Texans made their choice, and now all of us will wait and see what happens with the franchise from here on out.
The second and third rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft begin on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET. One thing is for certain, the Texans could surprise the fan base once again.