The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Houston Texans, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Houston Texans rookies?
- Kamari Lassiter — CB — Round 2
- Blake Fisher — OT — Round 2
- Calen Bullock — S — Round 3
- Cade Stover — TE — Round 4
- Jamal Hill — LB — Round 6
- Jawhar Jordan — RB — Round 6
- Solomon Byrd — EDGE — Round 7
- Marcus Harris — DT — Round 7
- LaDarius Henderson — OT — Round 7
Houston Texans Draft Class Grade:
The Houston Texans received a B+ draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Texans Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Despite not owning a first-round pick, Houston still landed a potential rookie starter in Kamari Lassiter (second round). Lassiter did not test well at the Combine, which knocked him out of first-round consideration, but his production was too strong to be overlooked on Day 2. Based on route-adjusted data, Lassiter generated a ball-hawk rate 79% above expected last year.
Houston played zone coverage on 76% of snaps and two-high coverage at the league’s fourth-highest rate (48%). So the Texans already have a scheme in place to protect Lassiter from unfavorable matchups due to his modest athletic traits.
Blake Fisher (second round) will compete with Tytus Howard for the starting job at right tackle. Fisher just turned 21 this offseason and likely isn’t ready to win that battle, but is expected to grow into a starting role and could be Laremy Tunsil’s eventual replacement at left tackle.
Calen Bullock (third round) has experience in both safety roles and even has the traits to play cornerback. He’s at his best as a center fielder in the deep secondary. When lined up as a deep safety last year, Bullock made a play on the ball once every 38 snaps in coverage, among the highest rates in this class. He also has a knack for cashing in on those opportunities with nine career interceptions. He should compete with Eric Murray and Jimmie Ward for immediate playing time.
Cade Stover (fourth round) is the perfect fit as the No. 2 tight end behind Dalton Shultz. “Farmer Gronk” has the strength to contribute as a blocker in occasional two tight end sets, and his familiarity with C.J. Stroud should earn him a small role in the passing game right out of the gate.
Stover lacks the dynamic athletic traits most teams want in a tight end, but his 11.8% catch rate over expected based on route-adjusted data signals the potential for a valuable role as a possession receiver.
Jamal Hill (sixth round) has experience at safety and linebacker, but his traits don’t fit naturally at either spot. With over 500 career snaps on special teams, he still has a good chance to make the roster.
Jawhar Jordan (sixth round) will compete with Dare Ogunbowale for the third-string running back job. Although Jordan is undersized and lacks elite speed, he has the vision and quick feet to be productive. Accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, Jordan gained 12.5% more yards than expected, which ranked 22nd out of 78 Power Five ball carriers.
Solomon Byrd (seventh round) has enough length and athleticism to qualify as a developmental prospect, but he’ll turn 25 years old during the season and never had a true breakout performance during his career at USC and Wyoming. Marcus Harris (seventh round) is an undersized but athletic interior pass-rusher who generated a strong 7.3% pressure rate when lined up on the inside last season. LaDarius Henderson (seventh round) has elite length and made 39 starts over five years at Arizona State and Michigan, but he was the weak link on Michigan’s offensive line at left tackle last year.
Houston landed three players who will compete for starting jobs and should be handed those roles by 2025 at the latest 一 an impressive feat for a team without a first-round selection.
We could nitpick the Day 3 selections, as they lack anyone with exciting developmental upside, but this is a strong class for a team that was lacking draft capital.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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