Texans Add Cornerback, Versatile Offensive Lineman in 1st Round

HOUSTON – After sitting out the past two seasons, the Houston Texans made 2 picks in the opening frame of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Texans had the 3rd and 13th overall selection in the opening round Thursday night and after a little trade back with the 13th, ended up with one of the best cornerback prospects and one of the top offensive guards in the draft.

Two defensive linemen went back-to-back to start the night and when the Texans went on the clock at 3, they used the pick to select LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to help their secondary.

Stingley Jr. had a tremendous freshman season, but the last two seasons has only played in 10 games. Stingley Jr. stands at 6’, 190 lbs. and has the talent to be one of the better corners in the league but his injuries could get in the way.

Stingley Jr. is boom-or-bust but if he can get back to what he looked like in 2019, he could lock down his side of the field in Houston. He has elite athleticism and didn’t work out at the NFL Combine.

At 13, Houston traded back to 15 with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles used the selection on Georgia’s massive defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The Texans used the 15th pick on a local prospect from Texas A&M Kenyon Green.

Kenyon Green will instantly help the offensive line protect quarterback Davis Mills. Green played right guard, left, guard, and started a couple games at right and left tackle. He’s a nasty, road-grading lineman who is very versatile and clears the way. Green is a better guard than tackle but has the experience to jump out if needed.

The Texans went into the draft with 10 picks and after trading around last night, now have 11 remaining with 1- 2nd round pick (37) and 2- 3rd round picks (68 and 80).

Even though Head Coach Lovie Smith has said he wanted to build around his current quarterback, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Ole Miss Matt Corral, North Carolina’s Sam Howell, and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder are still on the board.