NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans Add Key Contributors On Day 2

With the NFL Draft two weeks away, how will the Houston Texans address key needs on both sides of the football?

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) catches a pass / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

The 2024 NFL Draft is only two weeks away. Time is flying this offseason, especially for Houston Texans fans. Not only has Houston been a major offseason winner acquiring two former All-Pros in wide receiver Stefon Diggs and pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, but quarterback C.J. Stroud is poised for a potential MVP season ahead.

Even with the Texans trading out of the first round with the Minnesota Vikings, there’s still plenty of depth to be found on Day 2 of the draft.

Let’s go ahead and explore another three-round mock draft, this time conducted by Bleacher Report’s NFL draft scouting staff.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (LB08) works out / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

42 — Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

One of this year’s biggest risers in the pre-draft process, Cooper’s freakish athleticism to go along with great game tape has him climbing as high as late first-round by some pundits. If Cooper were to slip to No. 42, Houston should run up the card due to his game-changing potential in the short and long term.

“Overall, Cooper is a bit of a project who might take a year or two to catch on. But in a weak linebacker class, he'll be one of the top options available at the position,” Bleacher Report wrote. “Schematically, he'd be best as a "Will" linebacker in even fronts for a team that uses a lot of man coverage and fire zone blitzes. That will allow play-callers to take advantage of his ability to impact the passing game, as he's a good coverage 'backer and blitzer.”

Last season for the Aggies, Cooper put up 84 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. As a versatile defensive piece for head coach DeMeco Ryans, Cooper could shine within Houston’s system.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State tight end Cade Stover (TE14) works out during the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

59 — Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Stover continues to be a popular mock draft selection for Houston, whatever slot he may land within Day 2 range. Not only is the chemistry already present between Stover and Stroud as former college teammates, but Stover is a strong stylistic fit for a San Francisco 49ers-like offense run by Bobby Slowik.

“All in all, Stover has a playable skill set right now as well as the potential to grow into something more,” Bleacher Report wrote. “Stover is a true Y tight end with strong hands, explosive short-area movement and a good blocking foundation to build upon.”

A tight-end duo featuring Dalton Schultz and Stover for Stroud to work with? Sounds like a solid plan, but a potential reach here at No. 59, in terms of where Stover is placed on consensus boards.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (DL13) works out during / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

86 — Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

Houston dips back into the Big 10 here selecting a multi-positional defensive lineman in Jenkins. For the national champion Michigan Wolverines last season, Jenkins racked up 37 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Projecting more as a rotational lineman with some real athletic pop, Jenkins should slide right into an immediate playing time role.

“Overall, Jenkins projects as a good run defender who has a high ceiling as a pass-rusher, but he isn't a complete player at this time,” Bleacher Report wrote. “Schematically, he could play as either a 4i-technique in odd fronts or as a 3-technique in even fronts.”

Will the Texans continue to hit grand slam transactions during this offseason? Stay tuned to the NFL Draft taking place April 25-27.