Texans Bolster Secondary, Receiving Room In Latest NFL Mock Draft

The Houston Texans continue to build around C.J. Stroud with the additions of two key playmakers on offense.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Even without a first-round pick, the Houston Texans are in good hands headed into the draft. Day 1 is about finding the face of the franchise. On Day 2, teams often build the bulk of their roster.

In the latest mock draft from NFL.com, Houston fortifies two weak points in Round 2 with the addition of Alabama cornerback Kool-McKinstry and Florida State receiver Keon Colman at No. 42 and No. 59, respectively. In Round 3, the Texans address their defensive line with the addition of Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins. They also targeted linebacker depth with Washington's Edefuan Ulofoshio before adding Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell in Round 4.

Landing McKinstry at No. 42 might be the best-case scenario for Houston in the long run. The three-year starter under Nick Saban met with the Texans for a formal visit at the combine and seemed to be on the radar when the Texans owned the No. 23 pick.

Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA

McKinstry didn't work out in Indianapolis due to a Jones fracture in his right foot, but he impressed scouts at Alabama's Pro Day last week. Running a 4.47 40-time, a 34.5-inch vertical, plus impressive footwork in coverage drills, there's a chance the former Crimson Tide star works his way back into the first-round conversation.

“It was very important for me to come out here and compete today,” McKinstry told reporters in Tuscaloosa. “Just to give it my all and show what I got. It was tough for me to get the news I got at the combine, but I was still able to show what I got and feel good about it.”

Coleman has been a popular name at No. 59 since his pro day. His combine testing was far from stellar in a loaded draft class, but his on-field play might help him transform into one of the league's top red zone targets for the end of his rookie season.

Last season, after transferring from Michigan State to Florida State, the 6-3 pass-catcher was the No. 1 option in the Seminoles' passing game en route to an undefeated regular season. Coleman caught 50 balls for 658 yards and scored a career-high 11 touchdowns while earning All-ACC honors. He was expected to be in the first-round conversation, but a 4.61 40-time knocked back to the start of Round 2.

Jenkins is another prospect often linked to the Texans and for good reason. He was an anchor in Ann Arbor while helping the Wolverines claim their first national title since 1997, totaling 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Jenkins likely will be a three-tech in the pros with position flexibility to shift inside on pass-rushing sets.

Bell is a jack of all trades and fits multiple positions in any offense. Before transferring to Florida State last spring, he played fullback, running back, and tight end at South Carolina averaging 3.9 yards per run and 13.2 yards per catch. Last season, he lined up at tight end and h-back, totaling 505 yards and three scores.

In Bobby Slowik's offense, Bell would likely see action in a similar role to Brevin Jordan, who's entering a contract year. Albeit not a fullback, Jordan split reps with Andrew Beck, often lining up in the backfield when looking for a push on third down or near the goalline.

Ulofoshio was a tackling machine while helping the Huskies reach the national championship, totaling 94 stops. He was an efficient blitzer with three sacks and eight tackles for losses. Ulofoshio was also a multi-year captain after walking on to the program, something the Texans have coveted in past draft classes.

Even with the addition of Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston needs another tackler. Blake Cashman cashed in this offseason on a three-year deal worth up to $25.5 million with the Minnesota Vikings. Denzel Perryman, who started 11 games last season for the Texans, returned to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal following a three-year hiatus.

The verdict is still out on Henry To'oTo'o, who totaled 61 tackles in 2023. The hope is he perhaps can transcend to the team's No. 3 option long-term while remaining a staple on speical teams. There's reason to believe he's only going to take the next step forward with another year under his belt similar to breakout star Christian Harris.

The first round of the NFL draft begins Thursday, April 25. Barring a trade-up from No. 42, it should be a quiet night as the franchise shipped its pick to the Vikings for three future selections, including a 2025 second-round pick.