Draft Insider Says Houston Texans See Tulane Corner as 'Perfect Fit'

The Houston Texans may push off additional investments into the secondary until after the NFL Draft. Could Lance Robinson be an undrafted free-agent fit?

Sep 2, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tulane Green Wave defensive back Lance Robinson (7) / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Much will be made of how the Houston Texans handle the second and third days of the NFL Draft.

After pushing the chips in with the trade for former Buffalo Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs, general manager Nick Caserio will look to both put his roster over the top and create a pipeline of young talent with his smattering of selections.

An underrated portion of the offseason comes after the draft, though, when the best of those not selected scurry to teams handing out offers with a chance to showcase their skills in training camp. From small-school prospects to poor testers and those with medical red flags, the league sees undrafted free agents make an impact every season.

Sep 2, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tulane Green Wave defensive back Lance Robinson (7) / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

One potential target Houston has its eye on is Tulane cornerback Lance Robinson. 

Robinson had himself a mediocre NFL Combine, running a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at an undersized 185 pounds, but impressed at his pro day. 

“Robinson timed as fast as 4.43 seconds in the 40 and posted a three-cone time of 6.94 seconds,” Tony Pauline reported. “He’s been a good cornerback at Tulane the past two seasons and has his moments on film. As a senior last season, Robinson intercepted four passes and broke up 11.”

Of the 294 FBS corners with at least 440 snaps last season, Robinson ranked 37th in Pro Football Focus’ defense grade, in part to that uptick in ball production. His passer rating against ranked 87th among that same group.

Robinson played primarily on the boundary in his final collegiate season but may be pushed inside because of his size (a tick short of 5-foot-10, 185 pounds). The Texans, lacking a second above-average cornerback and proven depth, could be in the market, wherever he ends up playing.

“Graded as a PFA … the New York Jets have shown a ton of interest in Robinson and could sign him after the draft,” Pauline said. “The Houston Texans are another franchise that likes Robinson, as they believe he is a perfect fit for their defense.”

Identifying under-the-radar talents and putting them in positions to win is a big part of how head coach DeMeco Ryans facilitated several breakouts along Houston’s roster in 2023. That cast of characters, of course, created a surrounding cast that was able to bring the best out of quarterback C.J. Stroud in his rookie season.

With linebacker Blake Cashman, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, cornerback Steven Nelson, and others finding new homes, identifying low-profile contributors could once again help separate the Texans.