'Finally My Time!' Houston Texans Draft Prospect Javan Morgan Reveals NFL Goals

The Houston Texans will continue adding to their secondary unit during the 2024 NFL Draft, and Javan Morgan's versatility could make for a great addition.

Florida A&M v Jackson State / Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

HOUSTON -- General manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans revealed their objectives at the NFL Combine in February — add depth at every position group. The Houston Texans have added players to nearly every position since the start of free agency. But when it comes to the safety unit, the Texans have yet to address the need.

"We had a lot of guys going in and out at safety — our last game versus the [Baltimore] Ravens ended up with some backup players in there," Ryans said. "We've just got to find a way to stay healthy at the safety spot and just find a way to stay consistent... I think that's the key for us. Especially defensively. Our safeties are a very important piece and I really like to use our safeties a lot.

In other words, the Texans could use the 2024 NFL Draft to add talent to their safety unit, where former Florida A&M defensive back Javan Morgan could make for a quality selection.

"This means a lot — this is something I've been working on my whole life," Morgan said. "I am finally getting an opportunity to try and achieve my goal. It's finally my time."

Florida A&M v Jackson State / Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

Morgan is entering the draft as a versatile defensive back who finished his college career with 105 tackles, 76 solo hits and a sack in 46 games played for the Florida A&M Rattlers. He spent his final three seasons showcasing his top attribute as a defensive pass-catcher, notching 10 interceptions and 18 pass deflections.

He also finished his career with nine games of five or more tackles. His best came during the Rattlers' 30-16 victory against the Southern Jaguars in November 2022, where he recorded seven tackles in the win.

His performance against Southern University was a small sample size of the career year Morgan had during the Rattler 12-1 season, where he notched four interceptions as a senior.

Morgan's ball-catching attribute stems from his background as a wide receiver during his prep days at Florida High School. When he arrived at Florida A&M in the fall of 2019, coach Willie Simmons allowed Morgan to select whether or not he wanted to continue his career as a receiver or switch to a defensive back.

Switching positions allowed Morgan to see the field faster as a college prospect. Five years later, Morgan's decision has him on the verge of adding his name to Florida A&M's NFL alumni list — headlined by Pro Football Hall of Famer and defensive back Ken Riley.

He was able to make a successful transition from wide receiver to defensive back by applying the lessons learned under former position coach Brandon Sharp.

"I used to think that I was going to be an offensive guy," Morgan said. "When I was younger, receiver is what I practiced more than defensive back. I was at home practicing my catching without gloves. I never practiced with gloves so in the game, it would make it easier for me to catch.

"Coach Sharp taught me so much. He got me a lot better when it came to man-to-man and my technique. He played a big part in my success. We still have a great relationship."

Morgan made the most of his career at Florida A&M. His goal entering the draft is to maintain the HBCU culture instilled in his playstyle in hopes of leaving an impact on an NFL team. His approach to the game coincides with Ryans' defensive SWARM mentality, which would make Morgan a quintessential selection in April.

"I like to work with what I am given," Morgan said. "I use the HBCU culture as motivation because we are doubted so much. I just work hard. [I've played] all three defensive back positions. But if I had to pick, my favorite is free safety."