Texans Target Pac-12 Star Receiver In Latest Mock Draft

The Houston Texans add in an All-Pac-12 target for their roster heading into 2024.

Where could the Houston Texans turn to when on the clock in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?

According to one mock draft, all sights are set on pass-catcher.

In the latest draft from The 33rd Team, the Texans bolster their passing attack by selecting Oregon standout Troy Franklin. Franklin is expected to be a late Day 1 or early Day 2 selection based on recent mock drafts.

In their first season,

C.J. Stroud

and

Tank Dell

took the league by storm. Dell is recovering from injury so adding to the receiver room is a must for the

Houston Texans

with this loaded wide receiver class. 

Troy Franklin was one of the most productive receivers in the country in 2023 and would slide into the Texans' offense nicely next to a healthy Dell and Nico Collins. -

The 33rd Team

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard

Franklin was a stalwart in Eugene over the past two seasons under Dan Lanning, helping the Ducks post a 22-5 record during that span. Last season as Bo Nix's No. 1 option, the 6-3 junior totaled 81 catches for nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Franklin led the Pac-12 in touchdowns, second in yards per reception (17.4), third in receiving yards, and fifth in receptions. He was named a first-team All-Pac-12 member in 2023 and garnered second-team recognition in 2022.

While Stroud became the fifth rookie quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in his first year, production dipped entering December. Dell, the Texans third-round pick, suffered a broken leg in Week 13's win over the Denver Broncos.

In the final five games, no receiver totaled over 100 yards besides Nico Collins. Injuries to Noah Brown and Robert Woods also added pressure for young talents like John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson to step up.

Brown is a free agent and Woods could be considered a cap casualty depending on the contract. Collins, who became the third Texans receiver with over 1,200 yards in a season, is entering a contract year. Dalton Schultz, Houston's top tight end, is also a free agent after inking a one-year deal in the offseason.

Dell, who finished with 709 yards and seven touchdowns, should be the Texans' long-term No. 2 option moving forward. Franklin's vertical speed and detailed route-running skills would only be a welcomed addition to an offense looking to build off a top-12 finish in passing yards.

Franklin is one of several pass-catchers expected to be in play for Houston at No. 23. Other prospects include LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., Texas' Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, Florida State's Keon Coleman, and South Carolina's Xavier Leggette.

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The Texans could also strengthen their defense in either the trenches or secondary with the potential departures of Steve Nelson, Sheldon Rankins, Jonathan Greenard, Desmond King, and others. 

Early contenders for the pick include Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy, Illinois defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.