What is the story about?
We’re
just over 100 days away from the NFL Draft, and while the Houston Texans’ hopes are still alive for their first ever Super Bowl, there are multiple potential Houston Texans playing in the College Football Playoff Semifinals. Below is a list of players for each remaining team in the playoffs who are expected to get drafted in April’s NFL Draft at the positions of need for the Houston Texans.
Positions of Need: RB, DT, OG, OT, S, TE
Miami vs Ole Miss – Thursday, January 8th
Miami
- Francis Mauigoa, RT, #61
- The top right tackle in the draft, Mauigoa balances raw athleticism with elite technique. His length, active footwork, and wide frame forecasts him a Pr0 Bowl tackle in the making.
- Mark Fletcher Jr. RB, #4
- Fletcher has yet to commit to this NFL Draft class, but he’s been a sensational asset to their offense this season as their starter. Three years of production and improves stats each year.
- James Brockermeyer, C, #52
- Fort Worth, Texas native with elite family lineage, Brockermeyer has been a revelation at center for Miami’s offense. He’s bounced around college football for years and is a developmental, high-upside pick.
Ole Miss
- Dae’Quan Wright, TE, #8
- Big-bodied tight end with elite break-away speed. Currently projected as a Day-Three project with high upside in the passing game, but a frame that can develop as an in-line blocker.
- Diego Pounds, OT, #61
- Three-years of starting experience between Ole Miss and North Carolina, the massive 6’6, 335 pound Pounds has one of the best true pass blocking grades in the nation on a team that passes the ball a lot.
- Zxavian Harris, DT, #51
- It’s hard to miss Harris and him gigantic 6’8 frame on the interior of Ole Miss’ line. If he can stack up against Miami’s front, he’ll skyrocket up draft boards
Oregon vs Indiana – Friday, January 9th
Oregon
- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, #18
- The top tight end in the class, Sadiq is an all-world athlete. Drops, footwork, and improved blocking are of need, but his undeniable athleticism makes him a first-round prospect worth watching during this game.
- A’Mauri Washington, DT, #52
- They don’t make many athletes like Washington, weighing in at 6’3, 330 pounds. He is tenacious, athletic, and shows real get off the line of scrimmage. His ability to shed blockers is top in this class, and his pass rushing potential is extremely high given his horizontal movement skills.
- Emmanuel Pregnon, LG, #75
- Houston’s ideal first round choice of now, Pregnon is an earth mover with good footwork and active hands in the run game. His kick-slide in the passing game is great, but watch for sacks on his side when lineman cross his face.
- Dillon Thieneman, S, #31
- The do-everything safety for Thieneman is the cleanup-crew for the ducks. He’s a form tackler with straight-line speed for days. A Day Two pick at the current moment and top five safety in the class.
- Isaiah World, OT, #76
- World has prototypical LT size at 6’8 and has accumulated over starting 2,400 snaps. While his big frame can be slow to move at times, he has the right footwork and skillset to make it in the league.
Indiana
- Carter Smith, OT, #65
- Pure Left tackle for three seasons with elite true pass block grades and zero sacks given up this season.
- Pat Coogan, OC, #78
- Two years starting at center for the Hoosiers and one at left guard for Notre Dame, Coogan is one of the highest-graded centers in the nation. Coogan was picked as the Rose Bowl offensive MVP and is a team favorite amongst the players.
