Texans land Kyle Pitts and more in 2021 NFL Mock Draft with a twist

Round 6, Pick 189: Kendrick Green, OG, Illinois

Similar to the secondary, it would not be a bad idea for the Texans to double-dip on the offensive line. You can never have enough good offensive linemen, and at this juncture, Kendrick Green could also be a BPA selection here.

The Illinois 2020 football team was nothing to write home about, but Kendrick Green had a terrific season for the Fighting Illini. Pro Football Focus ranked Green as the sixth best guard in all of college football in 2020 and the eighth best in 2019. At 6-foot-4 and weighing around 315 pounds, Green has the size to play at the next level.

Green’s standout play was rewarded as he was named a second team All-American by USA TODAY Sports. Green was the first All-American from Illinois since 2011. It was mentioned earlier that the Texans need guards in the worst way, so Green would be a great depth piece to bring into the fold.

Round 6, Pick 204: Pooka Williams Jr., RB, Kansas

The Texans’ running back room will most likely look entirely different next year.  Adding a running back on day three of the draft could be smart as the team will be seeking cheap labor at the position. There aren’t many prospects in the draft more polarizing than Pooka Williams Jr. out of Kansas.

Williams probably won’t ever become an every down back to his tiny frame, but there is a lot to like about his game as a deadly third down and change-of-pace back. Despite standing at 5-foot-10 and only weighing a meager 170 pounds, Williams carried the load his first two years at Kansas. His best season was his freshman one when he ran the ball 161 times for 1,125 yards and seven touchdowns.

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Williams also possesses plenty of ability as a receiver, as he caught over 60 passes throughout his stint at Kansas. Some scouts have even said that his best bet could be transitioning to a slot receiver at the next level.

This deep in the draft, just gamble on talent. Pooka Williams may be too small to carve out a role in the league, but he was such an impressive playmaker at Kansas. Deep into the sixth round this is as exciting of a pick as you can make.

Round 7, Pick 230: Tarron Jackson, EDGE, Coastal Carolina

To round off this mock draft, the Texans take a flier on Tarron Jackson out of Coastal Carolina. Jackson had a standout career for the Chanticleers, compiling 18.5 sacks over his final two seasons.

You can never have enough pass rushers, so Jackson would be a solid addition here. It is difficult to expect too much out of players this low in the draft, but Jackson could still have some potential that hasn’t been tapped into. At 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, he definitely has the size to play at the next level. Perhaps he is a player that can be developed into a nice rotational end here.