Houston Texans Draft Analysis: Grades and Impact for every player
By T.A. Mock
Offensive Tackle. Alabama State. Tytus Howard. 23. player. 10. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Grade: B-
The Houston Texans selected who they hope will be their left tackle of the present and future with the 23rd overall pick. Tytus Howard rapidly ascended up draft boards throughout the process but seemed to have settled at a value of an early second round pick. So, this may have been a little bit of a reach but with the value of the left tackle position, it’s one that’s easy to stomach.
I love Howard’s potential. He is a former quarterback and former tight end who has only been an offensive lineman for 4 years. He has ideal size, 6’5″ and 320+ lbs, to go with excellent length, 34″ arms, and hand size, 10 5/8″. He could definitely be a top tier left tackle in the league for over a decade.
So, why is the grade not higher? The biggest thing is what happened the pick before me, which I struggle with because trade ups are out of the team’s control. However, I believe there was something that could’ve been done about this. The Eagles gave the Ravens their first, a fourth, and a sixth to jump the Texans to select a left tackle prospect that is more of a sure thing in Andre Dillard.
I’m sure that the Ravens had the Texans on the phone trying to trade back because the entire world knew they were targetting Dillard (though perhaps it was a well executed smokescreen, we’ll never know). It wouldn’t have cost much to go get Dillard but, alas, they did not.
Impact: Left tackle starter by the end of the year
Howard has been added to what has become a glut of left tackles for the Houston Texans. They’re returning Julie’n Davenport and signed Matt Kalil to compete with Davenport. Now, Howard joins the fray and the best man will get the job.
Since Howard is still fairly raw as a prospect, I don’t expect him to win the job to start the season. That’ll go to either Davenport or Kalil. I don’t think Howard will start elsewhere as he develops into their left tackle.
However, while Davenport still has potential and Kalil isn’t too far removed from being a good left tackle, I do not expect them to be able to hold down the job all year long. Injuries and inconsistent play will derail either guy or both of them which will open the door for the Tytus Howard era to begin at left tackle.