What a mess. The Houston Texans are stuck between a rock and a hard place. After losing J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and potentially Deshaun Watson within 14 months, the franchise is in ruins. What is worse is that their first pick is in the third round. With all eyes on Houston, the Texans will need to nail this draft. This draft is under the assumption that Watson is not moved nor leaving for at least this year. Can the Texans make the most of a crippled draft? Let’s find out.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
Round 3, Pick 67: Trevon Moehrig, SAF, TCU
This draft needs to be the best player available for every single pick. Somehow Moehrig fell out of the second round, so there was zero doubt that he was the right pick. With Justin Reid almost up for a new contract and the Texans organization in a negative light, there is no guarantee that Reid would stay. Moehrig is arguably the best safety in the class. His impact on this defense would be a spark that Houston needs desperately. Losing Watt hurts a lot, but now the Texans organization can say they got arguably the steal of the draft.
For more on Moehrig, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 4, Pick 109: Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Losing Will Fuller is no fun, either. With Watson trying to find his way out, the only way to bring him back would be to show that this organization values him. Wallace perfectly fits into this offense. His dynamic ability on the outside will work well with Brandin Cooks and Keke Coutee to create a solid wide receiver group. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, they will not be complaining when they get the super weapon in Wallace, especially given the draft position.
For more on Wallace, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 4, Pick 122: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
Releasing Duke Johnson opens up a gaping hole at running back. David Johnson has shown flashes, but he is not a quality starter anymore. Gainwell is super young and very raw. Having Johnson as a mentor would be a wonderful scenario to get him to reach his potential. The offensive line is hit or miss, but the Texans are a couple of pieces away from being a fully built offense. Within two years, Gainwell should be the starting back. Not bad value for a late fourth-rounder.
Round 5, Pick 148: Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
What a steal. It is insane that Weaver fell this far given his ability. He is the perfect replacement for Watt: good size, speed, length, and moves. Weaver is older (he will be 24 years old during the league year), but the Texans need instant impacts in order to change the public opinion of their franchise. This pick is such an amazing fit, especially for its value. Do not be surprised if Weaver gets taken in round three.
Round 6, Pick 190: Damar Hamlin, SAF, Pittsburgh
Hamlin will play slot corner for the Texans. Bradley Roby and Lonnie Johnson should be the boundary corners, but the slot is wide open. Hamlin is the ultimate gem in this class: he has solid coverage and is an asset in the run game with solid athleticism. He played the majority of his snaps at slot corner, and he played at an extremely high level. Amari Rodgers had trouble against him. Hamlin is going to be a huge steal just like Geno Stone was last year for the Texans.
Round 6, Pick 203: Khyiris Tonga, IDL, BYU
In a division with James Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry, stuffing the inside run is a need at its all-time high. Tonga deserves to be a fourth-round pick at least. He is an absolute animal. Tonga plugs up any hole, and he has some pass-rushing ability. The Texans could absolutely use a beast in the middle that could be reminiscent of Vince Wilfork.
Round 6, Pick 213: Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
This draft was done under the assumption that Watson would not be out of the organization by the draft if not by the season. Ehlinger is hit or miss with his play. Some throws are at an elite level for placement, but then some throws are 10 yards off target. Ehlinger also makes some questionable reads, which makes him a perfect fit as a developmental project. One day, Ehlinger could take the wheel of the franchise for a short period of time if Watson continues to want out.
Round 7, Pick 225: Jimmy Morrissey, IOL, Pittsburgh
Center is another huge hole on the offensive line with the loss of Nick Martin. Morrissey is far from a starting day one prospect, but he does provide that upside to move into that role. Free agency might need to be a spot to get a short-term center to coach up Morrissey, but the upside is undeniable. Again, if the Texans want to keep Watson (or any quarterback), investing in the line is a solid way of showing appreciation for them.
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