2019 NFL Draft: 5 most surprising picks of Round 1
By Phil Poling
player. 10. . Offensive Tackle. Alabama State Hornets. Tytus Howard. 3
The Houston Texans made headlines on Thursday after drafting offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Alabama State. It was imperative they addressed the offensive line early in the 2019 NFL Draft, and they almost landed Washington State’s Andre Dillard, but the Philadelphia Eagles traded into the No. 22 slot and stole him right out from under the Texans.
Howard was considered a Day 2 prospect to many, but with a huge need at the position, Houston couldn’t risk not finding a tackle to protect Deshaun Watson. After all, the Texans have surrendered 12 more sacks than any NFL team the past two seasons, something that has to change if Watson is to lead this team anywhere.
It’s not that Howard is a bad pick, there were just other available options. Yes, they missed out on Dillard, but Florida’s Jawaan Taylor, Oklahoma’s Cody Ford, and Kansas State’s Dalton Risner still remain on the draft board. The Texans won’t be on the clock again until pick No. 55. It’d be an absolute shock if any of the aforementioned lineman last till then, but at least they landed one.