Comparison between Final Mock (did not include trades, targeted players) with actual Texan Draft
#25 Josh Conerly Jr. OT vs #48 Aireontae Ersery, OT.
Conerly is polished, best footwork who was selected #29 by Washington Commanders to play opposite Laremy Tunsil. Great situation, day one starter will either become a star or get exposed by bull rushes & power DE’s.
Ersery, larger frame, played LT only, back-up for Cam Robinson, should develop so long term investment. Robinson only on a one year contract so pencil in Ersery as the Texans starting LT of the future year two. I’ll take that assuming Popovich will coach him up to his full potential.
#58 Higgins WR Iowa State vs #34 Jayden Higgins WR Iowa State.
Payoff of trading down. Knew later in process Jayden would not be available #58 so did a mock with SB trading out of first, Texans trade 1-25 to the Patriots for picks 2-38 and 4-106 Caserio actually got more than fair value or what we did, with Giants, pick #34, pick #99 & 2026 3rd (used later to move around).
#79 Jaylin Noel, WR Iowa State vs #79 Jaylin Noel WR Iowa State
Actually same player same spot so can just discuss more about player & why we’re going to love him. First & foremost he adds speed to WR position. Complements Jayden & Nico while gets to understudy with Kirk, who I hope wants to stay with Texans more than one year, can’t have too many WR’s. Jaylin is both quick, fast & strong, 4.39 forty 10 yard split 1.51 23 reps @ 220. Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year. Returning kick-offs and punt returns.
#89 Tate Ratledge, OG Georgia, selected #57 by the Lions (boy do they value OL). vs Jaylin Smith, CB/S USC pick #97.
Texans moved around obviously up from #59 to #48 for Ersery then out of #89 to add later picks. My ***** is not drafting an OG in this draft, fair? I like Jaylin Smith had a hunch after taking Bullock last year they liked him too. He is too grabby to play CB will take a lot of work to refine hand placement & footwork but worse case is you add another safety. Of the available OG’s on board with pick #97 would have selected Charles Grant, OT/OG William & Mary who was selected two picks later #99.
#166 Jordan James, RB Oregon vs #114 Woody Marks, RB USC (gave up way too much to draft him).
Big run on RB’s round four, typical so Texans felt need to trade up for guy they obviously graded much higher than Jarquez Hunter, Dylan Sampson or Jordan James (who went #147 to the San Francisco 49’ers. Listen I like Woody, he’s competitive, good hands, willing blocker but he is a mid-tier average sized NFL RB. 5-10 207 29 1/8” arms 9” hands, draft grade 6.15. Jordan James 5-9 1/2 205 29 3/4” arms 9 1/2” hands, 6.17 draft grade. Both are 4.55 guys. Similar & both produced, Woods Led team with 1,133 rushing yards (198 carries, 5.7 per), 9 rushing TDs. Started all 13 games (47-321-6.8 receiving). James Led team with 1,267 rushing yards (233 carries, 5.4 per), 15 rushing TDs. Started all 14 games (26-209-8.0 receiving). Woods is more receiver & James more of a runner. Like both, just don’t like the price tag Texans paid for Woody.
#187 Jaylen Reed, S Penn State (Caserio Bonus Pick) love this kid, would have liked to add him on my mock as well, especially after his interview @ the Combine. He bought into the Texans secondary even before being drafted. Just didn’t feel safety was that big of need, with extra picks makes him a nice addition.
#197 Graham Mertz, QB Florida (Caserio bonus pick)
Intriguing prospect if he can stay healthy? Probably practice squad and camp arm, but don’t know Mills situation behind the scenes. Wouldn't expect Texans to trade him, but never say never, gives them opportunity to possibly add a veteran OG then all of a sudden he’s a home run in my book.
#236 Jake Majors, Center Texas vs Kyonte Hamilton DT Rutgers
Know a lot more about Majors and how he took over leadership role of the Longhorn OL which was huge to me and something I would have liked to see happen for the Texans. In fairness only 3 Centers were drafted in the 2025 Draft. (Majors picked up undrafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
DeMeco had to get his DT project, and if that was his guy, we can expect some good results. Still don’t see him making 53 but sits on practice squad and develops for next year, have a lot of one year contracts on DL.
#241) CJ Dippre, TE, Alabama 6-5 262 vs Luke Lachey, TE Iowa 6-6 251
Dippre also went undrafted free agency, signing with the New England Patriots. He is more a Y inline blocking TE who is hard to bring down when he catches the ball. La hey comes out of TT U, plus great bloodlines, father was 3 time all-pro OL so there is that. Tall target, not especially fast but does have good hands and can wall off defenders.