After acing the 2023 class, the Houston Texans could be one more draft away from competing for a Super Bowl. What grades did their 2024 NFL Draft selections receive?
Houston Texans NFL Draft Grades
Round 2, Pick 42: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
With DBs flying off the board, the Texans filled a position of need with Kamari Lassiter.
Kamari Lassiter can play in multiple schemes and has the raw talent to become a productive playmaker in the #Texans' secondary. 🔒#GoDawgs | #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/8fphB3dO8g
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 27, 2024
The Georgia CB can play inside or outside for DeMeco Ryans, and while he lacks elite speed, he is disciplined and physical underneath.
Grade: B
Round 2, Pick 59: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
No. 59 overall may be a bit early for Blake Fisher. Yes, he has the potential to be a starter in 2025 and beyond, but he won’t make an impact in 2024 unless injuries knock out Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.
This is a bet on the team’s ability to develop young talent; Kingsley Suamataia, Roger Rosengarten, and Kiran Amegadjie were still on the board, and they may be safer bets with more upside.
Grade: C-
Round 3, Pick 78: Calen Bullock, DB, USC
Calen Bullock is an interesting pick, as there is no obvious path to playing time in Year 1. Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward have the safety spots on lock, and Lassiter is slated to be the nickel. Nevertheless, Bullock provides depth and could eventually take the first-team spot from Ward down the road.
There is certainly enough to like about his game, most notably his ball skills and range, but his tackling was far too inconsistent and his slight frame may keep him from pushing for reps immediately.
Grade: C
Round 4, Pick 123: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
Dalton Schultz is under contract through 2026, but that didn’t stop the Texans from snatching C.J. Stroud’s former teammate in Cade Stover in Round 4. Stover is solid in all phases and is particularly reliable as a pass catcher, working the underneath and intermediate areas of the field.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 188: Jamal Hill, LB, Oregon
The 2023 season was Jamal Hill’s first at linebacker, having spent his whole career prior at safety.
He is a bit positionless, but Ryans will find a role for him, possibly as a subpackage LB. Yet, where he’ll do most of his damage is on special teams.
Grade: B-
Round 6, Pick 205: Jawhar Jordan, RB, Louisville
The Texans didn’t necessarily need a running back, but Jahwar Jordan is a solid change-of-pace option alongside Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce. He can also provide value as a kick returner early on.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 238: Solomon Byrd, EDGE, USC
Solomon Byrd’s speed to power overwhelmed offensive tackles at USC, and it should translate to the NFL.
He can set the edge in run defense, even if he isn’t the most consistent right now.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 247: Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
Marcus Harris is undersized at 6’2” and 300 pounds with 32” arms, but he can scrape and finish as a one-gap defender as part of the Texans’ rotation.
Grade: A
Round 7, Pick 249: LaDarius Henderson, OT, Michigan
With the movement skills and length OL coaches desire, LaDarius Henderson can develop at guard while also stepping in at tackle if injuries require it.
Grade: B+
Houston Texans 2024 NFL Draft Summary
Much of the Texans’ grade is predicated on Ryans’ ability to develop the defenders he chose.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
On paper, Bullock, Hill, and Byrd are solid talents, but they need to be put in a position to succeed.
Overall Grade: B-
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