NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans Secure Two Secondary Pieces

Would the Texans be wise to further address a questionable secondary? In ESPN's latest mock draft, Houston double-dips at the position.

Nov 4, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) prepares to / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans already made a move ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, trading out of the first round with the Minnesota Vikings. Even though Houston won’t be on the clock until potentially No. 42 overall, will they continue to hit grand slams like they have adding in stars like Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter?

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates released a three-round mock draft with the draft quickly approaching. How did the Texans end Day 2? Let’s dive into it.

Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Maason Smith (0) looks on during / Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

42 — Maason Smith, DT, LSU

At 6-foot-5, Smith has inside-out versatility to play multiple spots along the Texans’ defensive line. Entering the draft as a redshirt sophomore, Smith has serious upside being a former five-star recruit for the LSU Tigers.

“The Texans must continue to bulk up on the inside,” Yates wrote. “Smith is an upside swing for Houston; he has the raw tools to become a disruptor as both a pass-rusher and run-defender.”

Smith is a pure traits-based prospect with eye-popping length and athleticism. If he wants to hit his ceiling, landing with DeMeco Ryans in Houston might do the trick.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter (DB23) talks to the / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

59 — Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Lassiter already showed in his career he steps up when the lights shine brightest, as evidenced by two national championships for Georgia. Within the Bulldogs’ scheme, Lassiter showed the capability to play in either man or zone coverage with little issues.

“Lassiter doesn’t have the elite speed, but he’s a really solid corner,” Kiper wrote. “The Texans ranked 29th in the league in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.7) last season.”

With the Texans also having multiple players in their secondary projected to be free agents after next season, Lassiter can be brought along slowly before taking over full-time in 2025.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (DB56) talks to the media / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

86 — Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

If Nubin somehow slips to the third round, Houston should run up the card to add another game-changer to their ever-improving secondary group. Nubin really popped off the tape for Minnesota this season, and his leadership is a valuable trait Houston covets within the pre-draft process.

“Perhaps no safety in the class has better ball skills than Nubin, who finds his way to the football constantly,” Yates wrote. “He had 13 interceptions in college, including five in 2023.”

Allowing Nubin to rotate in as a rookie before really being unleashed later on in the year would be a smart strategy if he landed in Houston.

Would Texans fans be satisfied spending two premium picks on further help within their secondary?  Arguably the Texans’ biggest question mark still, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Stay tuned to the 2024 NFL Draft taking place in Detroit, Michigan April 25-27.