Entering the draft, the Houston Texans had a prime directive: continue to build around franchise QB CJ Stroud. However, while most people predicted them to stay in the first round and trade up to take a tackle (Kelvin Banks Jr. was a popular trade up target), or stay pat at 25 and draft a guard (ala Tyler Booker), they decided to trade out of the first round and take a receiver at 34. Let’s meet that new wide receiver, and grade the Texans draft class this year.
Round 2, Pick 34: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Jayden Higgins is a big bodied receiver at 6’4, 214 pounds. He runs well at a 4.47, and showed the ability to leverage his size and speed to be a very effective and physical receiver at Iowa State. Many have noted that a lot of the measurables that Higgins presented at the NFL combine were near identical to a WR that has a lot of success in the past two years with CJ Stroud- Nico Collins. I like the pick, but I don’t love it. I understand the need to get Stroud weapons, and I also understand that the offensive line options didn’t present as much value. Higgins is going to be a good player who can be a 1B to Nico’s 1A, but I would have preferred that Houston stay in the first round and take either Josh Conerly Jr. to play guard, or Josh Simmons to play tackle.
Grade: B+
Round 2, Pick 48: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
With the amount of starting-caliber tackles nearing zero, the Texans traded up 10 spots with the Raiders to snag Aireontae Ersery. Ersery is a strong, big bodied tackle who mostly played on the left side of the line at Minnesota. While he will likely start as offensive line depth, he could push for a starting role in competition with fellow Minnesota import Cam Robinson early on if he impresses in camp. I like the value, and I like the player. Very good pick.
Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 79: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
The Texans doubled down on Iowa State wide receivers by taking Jaylin Noel, a burner with 4.39 who can play out of the slot and return kicks. The Texans needed one more playmaker to add to their passing game- Christian Kirk is coming off an injury, Tank Dell isn’t playing in 2025, and John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson haven’t stepped up when given the opportunity. Noel has a real chance to see Week 1 snaps for a team that needed some juice.
Grade: A-
Round 3, Pick 97: Jaylin Smith, CB, USC
I think the Texans reached a little bit for secondary depth here. Jaylin Smith has had some medical issues throughout his career. While he has strengths as a press-man corner, a lack of size and speed hamper his ability to tackle and cover in zone. He profiles mostly as a nickel corner at the NFL level. If Jalen Pitre has to miss games, it will be up to Smith to step in and hold it down. Unfortunately though, I had a Day 3 grade on him and I don’t think he’s ready for snaps in the NFL just yet. I think that getting some more offensive line depth (Emory Jones Jr. would have been an excellent pick here) made more sense than reaching for Smith.
Grade: C-
Round 4, Pick 116: Woody Marks, RB, USC
I believe that Woody Marks was one of the more underrated running backs in this class. While he isn’t the most dynamic pure runner, he’s a patient runner who hits the hole with decisiveness when he sees it. He has soft hands as a pass catcher, and doesn’t fumble ball. Marks could see serious playing time as a complementary back to Joe Mixon, and could see some 3rd down work as well depending on how his pass blocking holds up in the NFL.
Grade: B
Round 6, Pick 187: Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
Jaylen Reed is a downhill safety who hits hard and crashes on routes. He should see some time in run stuffing packages, and could learn the nuances of the position behind veteran Jimmie Ward. However, he’s raw in coverage and doesn’t project to have the range to play in single high looks. I like the value here, as I think Reed could have gone earlier in Day 3, and he doesn’t have to start right away.
Grade: B+
Round 6, Pick 197: Graham Mertz, QB, Florida
Graham Mertz is a game manager prototype quarterback who has a lot of college experience from his starts in Wisconsin and Florida. He has average tools but lacks aggression in his decision making. He will likely start the season on the practice squad, and will only see time if things go seriously wrong in Houston this year. A ho-hum pick to get a 3rd quarterback in the organization.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 224: Kyonte Hamilton, DT, Rutgers
A former collegiate wrestler, Kyontae Hamilton is a raw but athletic defensive tackle who could develop into a rotational piece if he can refine his technique.
Grade: C+
Round 7, Pick 256: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Luke Lachey could legitimately compete for the TE2 position in Houston this year. He is reliable receiver with soft hands and decent size for the position, but hasn’t proven himself as a reliable one-on-one blocker. His production in college is modest, but the contested catch ability popped on tape, and Iowa offensive stats are always going to be low.
Grade: A-
