Houston Texans Add Playmaking Safety and Pass Catcher

HOUSTON, TX- The 2022 NFL Draft continued with rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and the Texans added some defensive playmakers and an offensive weapon.

The Texans ended up with picks 37, 44, and 75 over the 2nd and 3rd rounds and used those picks to select Baylor safety Jalen Pitre and a wide receiver and linebacker from Alabama in John Metchie III (44) and Christian Harris (75).

PItre really shot up draft boards this offseason as a playmaker in the secondary. At Baylor, Pitre played the Star position and in 2021, was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Bears defense with 18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, two interceptions, 7 pass break-ups, and 3 fumble recoveries.

John Metchie III was the other receiver out of Alabama and stepped up when current pro receiver Jaylen Waddle went down with injury and in return went 55/916/6. In 2021, Metchie III had 96 receptions, 1,142 yards, and 8 touchdowns then went down with an ACL injury.He is projected to play in the slot in the NFL.

In round 3 at 75, the Texans went back to Alabama and took linebacker Christian Harris. Harris is a bit undersized at linebacker, 6”, 230 lb., but has elite athletic ability. He did make the Freshman All-American team and the Freshman ALL-SEC team. Harris finished his time with the Crimson Tide with over 200 tackles, 10 sacks, 1 interception, and 7 pass break-ups. Harris’ ability to go sideline-to-sideline with his explosiveness gives him great upside.

In the 1st round, the Texans boosted their secondary and offensive line with LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. and Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green.

The NFL Draft will continue Saturday with rounds 4 through 7.