Texans Daily

Texans Take 'True Alpha Playmaker' in 2024 NFL Mock Draft

In a new 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Houston Texans add a receiver for quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Tim Kelly

In this story:

The Houston Texans traded their own first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals to move up and select pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., but they still will have a selection in the top round thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade with the Cleveland Browns. 

And while they'll likely be out of range to pick quarterback C.J. Stroud's former college teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., landing a receiver will likely be at the forefront of general manager Nick Caserio's mind. 

To that end, Pro Football Network recently unveiled their latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The Texans -- via the Browns -- are picking 16th in the mock, and end up taking receiver Keon Coleman: 

"Coleman proved to be a true possession threat who could own jump-ball targets. It’s uncommon for modern 6-foot-4 receivers to actually play to their size, but Coleman embraces his strengths.

"The Texans have the smaller, shiftier receivers to complement a true alpha playmaker. Slotting Coleman next to Tank Dell and John Metchie III can open opportunities for the two speedy threats." 

After catching just seven passes in his first season at Michigan State, Coleman recorded 58 receptions for 798 yards and seven touchdowns in what proved to be his final season at Michigan State. Coleman had also previously played basketball under coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State, appearing in six games during the 2021-22 season. 

But after a breakout football campaign for Michigan State in 2022, Coleman entered the transfer portal and ultimately landed at Florida State. Still only 20 years old, Coleman has a chance to be taken in the first round next spring if he is able to build on his final season at Michigan State. 

As mentioned above, Harrison appears to be out of the question for the Texans, unless Watson and the Browns turn in a disastrous 2023 season. But Coleman, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, Texas' Xaiver Worthy and LSU's Malik Nabers are other collegiate receivers that could very well end up as first-round targets for the Texans in 2024. 

You can follow Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published
Tim Kelly
TIM KELLY

Tim Kelly is a contributor to SI's NFL team sites. Additionally, Kelly covers the Philadelphia Phillies as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Previously, Kelly has been a producer at SportsRadio 94 WIP and a content producer for Audacy Sports, with written content syndicated to WIP, WFAN, WEEI and some of the biggest sports radio stations in the country. Kelly also has contributed to Bleacher Report, Just Baseball, Sports Talk Philly and Section 215, FanSided's Philadelphia affiliate. Kelly is a 2018 graduate of Bloomsburg University, with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in political science.