Houston Texans: 2018 draft report card looks sharp despite late start
By T.A. Mock
98th Overall: Jordan Akins, TE UCF
I’m not sure you could find another prospect that had as wide of a projection range as Akins. You could see him anywhere from the third round to going undrafted.
Perhaps one of the coolest parts about this pick is it’s Akins second time being a third-round draft pick. He was previously a third-round pick by the Texas Rangers. He played minor league outfielder for them for a while before returning to football.
No doubt this proves his athleticism. The 6’3″, 249 lbs tight end is a freakish athlete. The Houston Texans saw value where others did not and snatched him up. This is probably because the team had the fortune of coaching him at the Senior Bowl.
Being a former outfielder, Akins shows excellent tracking ability while the ball is in the air. He also shows great ability to get up and high point the ball. Akins is also a great hand catcher, something you don’t always see with college tight ends.
However, I think Gaine and his staff might’ve reached with this one. It seems they could’ve waited to get their guy. Hopefully, Akins turns into the tight end the team has lacked since Owen Daniels.