Texans rookie PFF grades from 2023 college season

The Houston Texans added nine newcomers to the roster during the 2024 NFL draft, including a pair of award-winning defensive backs that could be staples of revamped defender under DeMeco Ryans.

Houston didn’t need to win the draft to be considered an offseason standout, though most national draft analysts gave high praise to Nick Caserio’s drafting after trading out of the first round. Kamari Lassiter should start Week 1 either in the nickel or at cornerback. Calen Bullock, Blake Fisher and Cade Stover might not be Week 1 starters, but they could be long-term cornerstone for the AFC South division champs.

The Texans enter 2024 as a contender. Not a division-winning franchise, but a Super Bowl one. Headlined by C.J. Stroud and an offense with three potential 1,000-yard receivers, Houston will score early and often. Add in Lassiter and Bullock, along with Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, it’s hard to feel like the Texans will regress instead of progress forward.

While the Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) weren’t kind to Houston, Caserio has cared more about the on-field play rather an athletic traits. But how did they grade out at Pro Football Focus during the 2023 college season?

Let’s take a look at all nine picks and their final stat lines in college.

CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (Round 2, Pick No. 42)

Sep 23, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) against the UAB Blazers in the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2023 grade: 85.4

OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame (Round 2, Pick No. 59)

Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Blake Fisher (54) blocks Duke Blue Devils defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles (16) during the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

2023 grade: 71.4

SAF Calen Bullock, USC (Round 3, Pick No. 78)

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive back Calen Bullock (7) runs the ball after an interception against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2023 grade: 71.5

TE Cade Stover, Ohio State (Round 4, Pick No. 123)

Sep 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) heads up field after a catch against Western Kentucky Hilltoppers linebacker Rashion Hodge (23) during the second quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium.

2023 grade: 75.6

LB Jamal Hill, Oregon (Round 6, Pick No. 188)

Sep 10, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Freddie Roberson (1) catches a touchdown reception during the second half against Oregon Ducks defensive back Jamal Hill (19) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

2023 grade: N/A

RB Jawhar Jordan, Lousville (Round 6, Pick 205)

Louisville’s Jawhar Jordan scores a touchdown against Kentucky. Nov. 25, 2023

2023 grade: 87.9

EDGE Solomon Byrd, USC (Round 7, Pick No. 237)

Sep 17, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Solomon Byrd (51) and linebacker Eric Gentry (18) celebrate after a fumble recovery ]af] in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2023 grade: 81.0

DL Marcus Harris, Auburn (Round 7, Pick No. 247)

Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Marcus Harris (50) breaks through the line during the A-Day spring practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

2023 grade: 82.4

OL LaDarius Henderon, Michigan (Round 7, Pick No.

2023 grade: N/A