Houston Texans Draft: Round 2 Targets 2020 NFL Draft

Some very talented players are left on the board following the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, which sets up perfectly for the Houston Texans draft.

The Houston Texans draft decision makers have a nice view ahead of them when Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft begins on Friday night. The Texans have the eighth pick in the second round — the 40th overall selection — meaning there are a variety of directions they can travel.

There are some very talented cornerbacks and safeties available following the first round, some really good defensive tackles available, pass rushers with high grades are still waiting to join a team, and if the Texans really think outside the box there are some quality running backs on the board as well.

Maybe the Texans draft will include a wide receiver in the second round as they try to replace DeAndre Hopkins with Denzel Mims and others is still available. Maybe Bill O’Brien makes a trade and either jumps up in the second round to select the player he wants the most, or moves down to get more draft capital and gamble on the player the Texans are targeting will fall to them.

Next are five players still left on the board in the 2020 NFL Draft the Texans can target in the second round.

5. Texans Draft: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Seeing a player with the ability of Xavier McKinney still available at the start of Day 2 shows how deep the 2020 NFL Draft class is. There is still a good chance to have McKinney if the Texans want to work on their secondary at safety in the second round, but probably not from 40th overall.

Projected as a first round selection by many draft experts, it is a surprise that McKinney is still available at the start of the second round. The junior season of McKinney — which was his final collegiate season — saw the Crimson Tide safety collect a total of 95 tackles (59 solo) with five passes defensed, three sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions (including one touchdown).

McKinney is projected as a starter within his first two seasons in the league, but lets be honest, any team that takes the safety will have McKinney on the field in a great amount of plays his rookie season. The Texans currently have Tashaun Gipson and A.J. Moore at strong safety, and at free safety are Justin Reid and Eric Murray as the four top safety options.

Though there is improvement that could be added to the safety, is that the main focus point of making the defense better in Round 2?