The Houston Texans hired a defensive-minded coach in DeMeco Ryans.
Who is to say the Texans won’t have a defensive-minded draft when they are on the clock throughout the 2023 NFL draft?
According to Luke Easterling from the Draft Wire, the Texans use their No. 12 overall pick in Round 1 — obtained via 2022 offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns — to take Georgia Tech’s Keion White, who has flexibility to play inside and outside.
Wide receiver is a strong possibility here, but don’t be surprised if DeMeco Ryans wants to use this pick on his side of the ball after grabbing his franchise quarterback earlier. One of this year’s fastest-rising prospects, White is a versatile defender with a massive frame and impressive athleticism who could line up anywhere in the trenches.
The Texans then use their No. 33 overall pick in Round 2 to address pass rusher with Georgia’s Nolan Smith. Even though the senior was limited to eight games in 2022, he provided 18 combined tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and a pass breakup. The addition would be advantageous for the Texans as they have defensive end Jonathan Greenard entering the final year of his contract. Smith would provide Houston with a partner and possible replacement for Greenard.
In the third round, Houston uses their proprietary pick at No. 65 overall to take Tennessee wideout Cedric Tillman. The former Volunteer would be a nice addition to a receiving corps that includes Nico Collins and possibly Brandin Cooks.
The Texans use their No. 73 overall pick in Round 3 to take Texas A&M cornerback Jaylon Jones. The Cibolo Byron P. Steele II High School product had 33 combined tackles, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery through 10 games for the Aggies in 2022.
