The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft for the Texans was an offensive lineman.
When the Houston Texans made their final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 205th overall selection (during the sixth round) it was smart of them to select another offensive lineman, as depth at that position is key for any success on offense.
Before he was chosen by the Texans, the pre-draft profile of Austin Deculus (the 205th selection) included a draft projection of “a priority free agent,” so at least to the NFL.com profile says this pick was a reach, but on the other hand the Texans can use all the o-line depth they can get, and this was their final pick to have.
What is great about Deculus is he’s a player who will show up each and every week to play as he played in 61 games for LSU, including making 46 starts for the Tigers during his collegiate career. Making that many starts for a program like LSU — and playing that many SEC games — means he has talent, and hopefully that shows at the next level.
Another aspect for Deculus is hopefully he contributes to the special teams, and he can work on his craft as there are two very talented offensive tackles ahead of him on the depth chart right now, being Laremy Tunsil at left tackle and Tytus Howard at right tackle.
Texans don’t have to rush Austin Deculus in 2022
The current o-line situation in Houston is perfect for Deculus as he doesn’t have to rush his progression and can gain the improvements needed to become a solid NFL caliber offensive lineman.
Houston also drafted Kenyon Green in the first round to play guard on the o-line, so it seems the Texans are building their future offensive line through the draft. Green will most likely be a day one starter in the league, but with Deculus, he’ll have to wait his turn at tackle.
Others on the tackle depth chart for Houston are Charlie Heck, Cedric Ogbuehi, Myron Cunningham, Jordan Steckler and Carson Green.
Not all of these players will make the roster, and Deculus does have some work ahead of him during various camps this summer, but the Texans had to see something they liked to pick him in the sixth round.
Time will tell if he was a steal at this pick or if the Texans went a little too early with this selection as it was their final pick of the weekend.