Houston Texans Draft: Final mock draft brings future success

Round 5 (158th overall)
Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Buffalo

Defense still should be the name of the game in Round 5, though another offensive lineman wouldn’t be a surprise choice here, either. The Texans have done enough for their o-line to get by in ’21, but for the EDGE position, the Texans need to find players who can add to some of the depth already on the roster.

The 6’2” Malcolm Koonce of Buffalo could be a surprise player in this draft because his weaknesses all come back to something that can be fixed when he joins an NFL team. Though draft profiles seem to believe Koonce needs to add strength this offseason, that doesn’t overshadow what his potential can be, especially in the fifth round at pick No. 158.

He’s a former All-MAC selection, and according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Koonce has an “aggressive shred technique to unglue and tackle.” If that is the case, the Texans can make a player like Koonce stronger, because they need to add better tacklers on this roster, and this could be an excellent fifth-round addition.

Round 6 (195th overall)
Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo

There is some upside to Jaret Patterson that can bring excitement to the Houston Texans offense if he’s selected to the team in the sixth round. He won’t be a star right away, but Patterson has the solid ability to rush the football with success, and his athleticism can make him a threat with his ability to make catches out of the backfield.

The running back depth of the Texans isn’t great, and none of the top players are on long-term deals, so getting Patterson in the building could be the start to work on ways he can improve for future seasons.

Round 6 (203 overall)
Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College

If the Houston Texans are looking for players with a great work ethic, as Isaiah McDuffie is described in his NFL.com draft profile, then the 203rd overall pick is the place to select McDuffie and add him to the roster for either linebacker depth and special teams play.

The Boston College linebacker would be a great addition to the special teams unit, and he could become a situational player for the defense of the Texans. This is a selection that could rise through the ranks with his potential, but one that wouldn’t be too outlandish at this point of the 2021 NFL Draft.