Houston Texans Rumors: Five players to target with the 23rd pick
By T.A. Mock
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
This pick would be my first option for the Houston Texans, nor is it the biggest need on the team. However, sometimes the best strategy in a draft is to not reach for need but rather draft the best player available for your scheme and system.
Noah Fant comes into play in that situation. Other guys on this list that fill far greater positions of need but they may not be available when the 23rd pick rolls around or the Texans may just not value them the same as I am. Regardless, Fant is a difference maker at tight end that would open things up even more for Watson, Hopkins, Will Fuller, and Keke Coutee.
Sure, the Texans spent a lot of draft capital at the tight end position, another reason why this pick isn’t my top choice. Thomas has a lot of potential but is primarily a red zone target. Jordan Akins still has potential as well but he got buried on the depth chart and hardly ever played.
More. BOB signals a change with training camp. light
Fant is extremely athletic and is a phenomenal receiver. He, reportedly, was able to do a 42.5″ vertical last spring. That’s nuts for a 6’4″ 232 lbs player. His is a mismatch nightmare with his rare blend of size and speed that can blow an offense wide open. We would be a dynamic threat in the seam and would add another incredible threat in the red zone for the Texans.
It’s not the most ideal pick, I know, but imagining the possibilities makes me drool. The Houston Texans best path to maintained success is surrounding Watson with as many weapons as possible. Fant does that.
Other options: Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama)…maybe
Irv Smith is another option. He is a lesser receiver but a greater blocker than Fant. But, at 23, Smith could be a slight reach and the Texans could go best player available (BPA) at another position if need and value don’t add up.