For the Houston Texans to take leaps towards finishing their rebuild, they will need their 2022 NFL draft class to step up.
First-round picks Derek Stingley and Kenyon Green figure to be starters, and even Day 2 selections such as safety Jalen Pitre, linebacker Christian Harris, and receiver John Metchie will find playing time along the way. However, Houston needs their Day 3 selections to contribute right away — much the same way sixth-round defensive tackle Roy Lopez started 15 of 16 games as a rookie last year.
According to Chad Reuter from NFL.com, one of his Day 3 candidates to take starter snaps in 2022 is Texans fourth-round running back Dameon Pierce.