Defensive Drip: Texans Lovie Smith Reveals Draft Priority?

After inconsistent play at the position last season, Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith might have given away a defensive-line draft hint

HOUSTON -- Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith likely isn't letting us in on the team's draft plan just yet. Then again, perhaps he gave away one of the biggest clues on a position that could be addressed on April 28. 

Smith has been vocal about the lack of depth at the cornerback position, plus the inconsistent play there during the 2021 season. Houston elected to re-sign Desmond King in a multi-purpose role and also retained breakout nickel defender Tavierre Thomas. 

That's not enough for the Texans to feel content. They understand that adding a prospect via the draft is essential to the team's growth in the secondary. 

"We’re looking at the roster right now and you see who we have there," Smith said Monday. "You also see our play at the cornerback position. Our play at the cornerback position last year was not good enough, it’s as simple as that."

King, who agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $7 million, never played the boundary in the pros before last season. He became Houston's most consistent boundary defender, recording a pair of interceptions in the final six games. 

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner 

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner 

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner 

Houston currently only has former second-round pick Lonnie Johnson opposite King with playing experience in Smith's defense. A corner at Kentucky, Johnson was asked to move to safety under then-defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in 2020. A year later, Smith asked if he would feel comfortable returning to the outside. 

The Texans also added former Denver Broncos' draftee Isaac Yiadom and Dallas Cowboys' Reggie Robinson in free agency, neither of whom have limited reps in the league. 

Houston needs another cornerback. With two first-round picks, it would be hard to imagine general manager Nick Caserio isn't looking at the top names in the class and considering making them the selection with the No. 3 or No. 13 pick. 

Based off the Texans' pre-draft visits, the position is a priority for both Smith and Caserio. Last week, Cincinnati's Ahmad 'Sauce" Gardner visited the facility as part of Houston's top-30 visits. Smith also privately met with the Bearcats' top cornerback at his Pro Day last month, while both men met with Gardner at the NFL Combine. 

The 6-2, 190 pound cornerback is exactly what Smith is looking for in a No.1 cornerback. The long-time defensive mind has said his "ideal" cornerback stands at least 6-foot tall and is a willing tackler against the run. Gardner wasn't afraid to get dirty defending the run, but made his mark in zone coverage. 

In three years as a starter, Gardner did not allow a touchdown in over 1,100 career coverage snaps. He also recorded 16 pass deflections and nine interceptions, another staple of what Smith looks for in defenders. 

The Texans have also been in contact with LSU All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who is expected to visit the facilities this week. The 6-foot, 190-pound has all the tools to be a top-tier defensive back in today's game, but health has been his biggest liability. 

Stingley made headlines for his success in coverage with six interceptions during the Tigers' 2019 national championship season. Since then, a slew of injuries have limited him to just 10 games in two years. 

Earlier this month, Stingley proved he's still perhaps the top cornerback in the class after impressing scouts at LSU's Pro Day. Running a 4.37 40, plus posting a 38.5 inch vertical, the Tigers' star defender is in the mix to be a potential Texan. 

A scout told TexansDaily.com that with a strong outing at his pro day, he would be a consensus top 15 pick. The Texans could be targeting him at No. 13, but the Minnesota Vikings — who currently own the No. 12 pick — are also looking for a No. 1 cornerback. 

Derek Stingley Jr. 

Derek Stingley Jr. 

Derek Stingley Jr. 

Should Gardner or Stingley be the pick at No. 3, it would mark the fourth time in modern draft history a corner was selected top three. The Atlanta Falcons used the No. 3 pick on Bruce Pickens in 1991 while the Seattle Seahawks targeted Shawn Springs in 1997. Most recently, Jeff Okudah was selected by the Detroit Lions third overall in 2020. 

Smith isn't doubting that King and others can have success in coverage, but the Texans also need depth. As the passing attack in the NFL only expands, cornerbacks become a prime position, meaning that any slip up could be the difference of a winning record and a long offseason. 

"That’s a position we’ll continue to look to improve," Smith said. "We can’t play the type of football that we want to play until we get better at the cornerback position, I will say that.”