Now that the 2023 NFL draft is over, it is time for the 2024 NFL draft.
The Houston Texans won’t have twin first-round picks next year as the Arizona Cardinals possess Houston’s proprietary selections thanks to the Will Anderson trade. As long as Anderson is elevating his game in the pros, Texans fans won’t mind too much about not having that extra first-rounder.
According to Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, who released his way too early mock draft for 2024, the Cleveland Browns manage to have a decent year, which means the Texans aren’t picking until No. 19 overall. Houston uses that selection to take Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean.
Taking DeJean would give the Texans a pair of first-round cornerbacks as Derek Stingley would be embarking upon his third season. If Stingley was continuing to struggle with injuries, Cooper could easily transition to being the defense’s dominant cornerback and Houston wouldn’t have to pick up Stingley’s fifth-year option.
If Stingley were starting to blossom and live up to his potential, then adding DeJean would be a significant upgrade if they allowed Steven Nelson to walk in free agency. Along with safety Jalen Pitre, who would also be entering his third season, the Texans would have their own version of a no-fly zone with the addition of DeJean.
