The Houston Texans draft prospects list is slowly building.
Being one of the worst teams in the league with a 2-9 record, many Texans fans have already begun scouting the college football world for the players that they want to see don the deep steel blue and battle red come next spring.
With the conference championship round set to go on Saturday, which players will make the Houston Texans draft prospects list? Most likely settling in at the second overall pick, the Houston Texans will have a handful of options of who to decide from.
Which unit needs more improvement between the offensive and defensive sides of the ball? The Texans have had a slightly better defense this year than the offense. Either way, any high-level draft prospect will help this team succeed. With that being said, let’s get into the first of the Houston Texans draft prospects to watch this weekend.
First on our list of Houston Texans draft prospects playing this weekend: Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Aidan Hutchinson was left off our bye-week mock draft, as Kayvon Thibodeaux looked like the better selection at the time. However, after the dominating upset win for the Wolverines over the Ohio State Buckeyes, that has changed instantly. Hutchinson set the school record for sacks in a season with 13.
That puts him above former Wolverines David Bowens and LaMarr Woodley in terms of best seasons ever, but he’s not in the top-10 all-time for sack leaders. Regardless, Hutchinson’s motor to get to the quarterback could save the secondary of Houston by not having to cover as long.
If the Detroit Lions don’t take the in-state product, the Texans should have Hutchinson’s number on speed dial.
Second on the list of Houston Texans draft prospects playing this weekend: Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder comes second on this list, and his Cincinnati Bearcats squad might be the first college football playoff “Cinderella” to make it into the big dance. Headed into a hefty title bout with the 21st-ranked Houston Cougars, this could be an offensive game to remember for quite some time.
Ridder has completed 66 percent of his passes on the season for exactly 3,000 yards. In addition, Ridder nearly has a 3:1 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions (27 TD’s, 8 INT’s). Ridder’s efforts have gotten the Bearcats ranked third in the Top 25 poll and a chance to do something special. So tune in; you won’t want to miss this one.
Third on the list of Houston Texans draft prospects playing this weekend: Kenny Pickett
Another quarterback makes the list, with Kenny Pickett from the University of Pittsburgh. While Pickett’s squad is 7-1 and ranked17th, Pickett has thrown for way more yards than Ridder has on the year. Moreover, Pickett’s thrown it all around the neighborhood and back again, surpassing 4,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns on the season.
How good has Pickett been? He broke Dan Marino’s record for most passing touchdowns in a season earlier this year. But, of course, we all know what Marino did on the NFL level, and football fans around the country are excited to see what he can do at the next level.
Look for Pickett to be on Houston’s radar very soon.
Fourth on the list of Houston Texans draft prospects playing this weekend: Derion Kendrick
The Georgia Bulldogs are the number one-ranked team for a reason this year, and Derion Kendrick has been one of the many reasons why. Right off the bat, Kendrick hasn’t allowed a touchdown to any wide receiver he’s covered at all this season. No matter what level, that’s an incredibly tough thing to do.
The former wide receiver has had more success after switching to defense after spending one season at Clemson as a wide receiver. The Houston Texans currently rank 19th in the league for most passing yards allowed, but at the same time, they’re tied for third with 14 interceptions on the season.
Kendrick’s ball skills and film-junkie attitude earn him a spot on this list. Kendrick may not be a first-round pick, and there are speed concerns, but good coverage skills and scheme can help minimize that deficit.
Fifth on the list of Houston Texans draft prospects playing this weekend: T.J. Bass
The Houston Texans are in a world of hurt on the offensive line after Laremy Tunsil underwent thumb surgery. It’s arguably the sole reason the Texans offense has been as inept as it is. Bass has stepped in as a replacement for Shane Lemiuex, who went high in the draft.
It’s hard to find highlight reels on Bass, who may not be one of the well-known offensive linemen selected in the draft. However, it won’t hurt to take a peek at how Bass is doing in the Ducks’ matchup against 14th-ranked Utah.