NFL Draft 2020: Grading every pick for the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans did not pick until the early part of the second round, so did they make the most of each pick in the 2020 NFL Draft?

One of the most highly scrutinized franchises in the NFL this offseason are the Houston Texans. With no general manager, head coach Bill O’Brien assumed the role and has made some questionable decisions.

Since the beginning of last season, the Texans traded both Jadeveon Clowney and DeAndre Hopkins for a second round pick and a third round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, as well as several players, including running back, David Johnson and linebackers Jacob Martin and Barkevious Mingo.

As they were criticized for their lack of return on these blockbuster trades, they were doubted even more after trading away a first round pick in the 2020 draft for tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills as well as a second round pick in this year’s draft from wide receiver, Brandin Cooks.

So did the Texans’ 2020 draft class shine any light on their offseason?

Round 2, Ross Blacklock: A

While the Texans could’ve gone for an additional weapon for DeShaun Watson with their first pick in the draft, they decided to help out their defense that had been at the bottom of league last season. Defensive tackle Ross Blacklock of TCU will more than likely be a day one starter. This was a smart pick for the Texans’, given their self-imposed circumstances, and will see instant improve on their defensive line with the help from Blacklock.

Round 3, Jonathan Greenard: A-

Staying on the defensive side. the Texans used their second pick in the draft on Jonathan Greenard, a linebacker from Florida. He will not start immediately but will still see valuable playing time as he is excellent in both defending the run and rushing the passer. Adding a depth is crucial to a championship run, and with this pick, the Texans did just that

Round 4, Charlie Heck: C

With their first of two fourth round picks, the Texans added to their up-and-down offensive line, drafting Charlie Heck, a tackle from North Carolina. Short term. this pick shows no sign of immediate impact but if Heck can remain healthy, this could prove to be a smart pick. But once again, this did not address two of the three biggest needs heading into the draft: another weapon for Watson and help in their secondary.

Round 4, John Reid: B+

While selecting a corner earlier in the draft would have been ideal for the Texans to improve their secondary, getting John Reid out of Penn State was a solid pick. Reid has a knack of finding his way to the ball while in the air, finishing his career with 30 pass break ups and seven interceptions. Reid will not start right away but should add depth and play an important role of both defense and special teams.

Round 5, Isaiah Coulter: B-

The selection of wide receiver Isaiah Coulter of Rhode Island in itself was not a bad pick. Isaiah Coulter is tall, has speed and provides the Texans a big play weapon for their offense to pair with Cooks. The issue is, the Texans should have address the receiver position earlier in the draft and should’ve got more for their big trades to be able to do so. Coulter has a chance to work his way into the starting line up but is that saying much given the Texans’ current receiver depth.

Overall Grade: B

The Houston Texans did well in the draft. They addressed their pass rush, helped out their secondary and added a potential steal of the draft at wide receiver. But with only five picks, no first round picks and no big name, this draft was just average. Luckily for Texans’ fans it wasn’t the worse thing that has happened this offseason.