Who are the top three options for the Houston Texans in the first round?
With the Houston Texans being 1-8 and the chances of another victory looking very unlikely, it’s time to look at the top options for the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Texans are a team that has holes all over the roster, and not just at quarterback. Just about any draft prospect would fit as a good pick. But which of those positions are of the direst need?
That position has gotten the majority of the attention for obvious reasons. At the end of the day, there are multiple ways General Manager Nick Caserio can go in the top five of April’s draft. With the likelihood of having multiple first-round picks (with a potential Deshaun Watson trade), Caserio would have even more talent to look at. That trade will be covered in another article, but for now, the draft options will be discussed as if that actually went through.
The only direction that would be a surprise as of right now would be selecting a quarterback that high in this draft-when there isn’t a clear top-five talent at the position. Depending on where the second pick in the first round is located that might be where Caserio goes QB drafting someone like Matt Corral, Kenny Pickett, or Malik Willis.
With that being said here are three players the Texans could take that would be instant difference makers at number two if the draft started today. With the Detroit Lions most likely picking first and expected to take Kayvon Thibodeaux, he won’t be included in this list.
The first potential target for the Houston Texans: Kyle Hamilton
Kyle Hamilton’s insane athletic profile and sophomore season success saw him begin 2021 as the number one player on multiple 2022 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Boards. The Notre Dame safety started the season in sensational style, with multiple eye-catching interceptions and ferocious hits. Unfortunately, his junior season has been cut short due to injury, and Hamilton is continuing to do his best to return this season.
There’s no denying that Hamilton is the real deal. He’s a 6’4″, 214-pound playmaker who possesses ridiculous range, ball skills, and intelligence while hitting with unnerving ferocity. Hamilton Played in the 2019 All-American Bowl.
Hamilton was a finalist for the following awards;
- All-American Bowl National Defensive Player of the Year
- 2018 American Family Insurance Defensive Player of the Year Finalist
- 2018 Atlanta Journal-Constitution 7-AAAA First Team All-Region.
- 2018 Atlanta Journal-Constitution 7-AAAA Special Teams Player of the Year (according to 24/7 sports.)
When it comes down to his health and longevity may be the top reasons that the Texans don’t select Hamilton second overall. The skillset is undeniable, coupled with the likelihood that safety Justin Reid will walk in free agency following the 2021 season.
The Texans would be able to plug Hamilton into his slot without any drop-off. Assuming he’s healthy by the combine Hamilton figures to be the 2nd best prospect in this draft that could make and massive impact immediately.
The second potential target for the Houston Texans: DeMarvin Leal
Having versatility is one of the most valuable attributes at the next level. DeMarvin Leal is the embodiment of versatility at the defensive line position. The Aggies have used him in every conceivable alignment along the defensive front during his two seasons in College Station. Leal has demonstrated the ability to play with his hand in the ground or stand up and rush from outside with no noticeable difference in his ability to impact the game.
Leal is a physically dominant force. Imagine the Texans placing him into the middle of the defensive line would immediately make a massive difference. Paired with the likes of Johnathan Greenard (and possibly Maliek Collins), the Texans’ defensive line would become an opposing teams’ worst nightmare. Leal is a no-brainer for any team in the top five picks, and he’s the type of player that can give a team 15 sacks a year. His talent speaks for itself.
Standing at a massive 6 feet 4 inches while weighing in at 290 pounds, Leal is the definition of a body mover. Although his overall pass-rushing skills are still a work in progress the upside with Leal will be extremely hard for Caserio and company in the top five in this upcoming draft.
The third potential target for the Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr
Wouldnt it be nice for the Houston Texans to have a lockdown cornerback? Derek Stingley Jr. is that guy. Before his injury that cut his 2021 season short, Stingley Jr. was talked about as possibly being the best prospect in this entire draft.
Stingley Jr. is a generational talent with a track record and awards to prove it. According to the LSU team website, Stingley Jr. has been voted onto the following lists:
- 2020 First Team All-America (AFCA)
- 2020 First Team All-SEC (AP, Coaches)
- 2019 Consensus All-American
- 2019 First-Team All-American (AFCA, AP, Athletic, CBS, ESPN, SI, Sporting News, USA Today)
- 2019 Second Team All-American (Walter Camp, FWAA
- 2019 SEC Newcomer of the Year (AP, unanimous)
- 2019 First Team All-SEC (AP)
- 2019 Second Team All-SEC (Coaches)
- 2019 SEC All-Freshman Team
- 2019 SEC Freshman of the Week (vs. Florida)
- Along with many other accolades in his 2 plus seasons at LSU.
Provided he’s healthy following foot surgery, Stingley Jr. is clearly the best corner in this draft a definite position of need for Houston. It’s worth noting that Caserio has been rumored to be enamored with Stingley Jr.
Teams do not throw Stingley’s direction which would be a massive upgrade for this Texans defense. The secondary is the worst position group on this team, hands down. Adding a player like Stingley would instantly improve the entire Texans defense going into the 2022 NFL season.