With a bevy of needs, the Houston Texans truly can attack the 2022 NFL Draft in a number of ways. In our most recent 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Texans select Kayvon Thibodeaux as well as a potential WR1.
Houston Texans 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
Here are projections of every pick the Houston Texans could make within a 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft with the Pro Football Network staff as the general manager. This is what we would do with the picks after the board shook out while doing a full 7-round, 32-team mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 3: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
The mix of heavy draft capital and incredible versatility pushes Kayvon Thibodeaux to this selection. The Houston Texans need an identity on defense and Thibodeaux gives them one. gives them one. That new identity reads: Feared pass rusher off the edge with incredible versatility and run-stuffing ability.
Other players in consideration: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan; Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Round 1, Pick 13 (from CLE): Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
It’s important to look at the sum of the Texans roster. Are they a playoff team in 2022? Likely not. Are they a postseason team with a few upgrades and a year or two under Lovie Smith? Absolutely. As such, Jameson Williams slides into the WR1 role in 2023 after rehabbing in 2022 and playing in spot duty once he’s medically cleared. He’s worth the investment in draft capital whether he plays in 2022 or not.
Other players in consideration: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 37: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
A do-it-all safety heads to the Texans as Jalen Pitre takes his talents a bit east. Pitre can line up anywhere on defense and goes a long way in improving Houston’s defense following the loss of Justin Reid.
Other players in consideration: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia; Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
Round 3, Pick 68: Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State
It’s been a busy draft for the Texans as they continue to rack up talented players on both sides of the ball. Martin Emerson has enough talent to go in the top portion of this draft, but the way the board shakes out, he slides here to Houston. Emerson has great size and terrific instincts. Don’t let his “lack of” plays on the ball fool you. He sticks with his receivers and makes plays on the ball even if he’s not the targeted defender.
Other players in consideration: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia; Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
Round 3, Pick 80 (from NO): Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State
Big and fast, Brandon Smith could become the new face of the second level of the Texans’ defense. He’s dominant when going sideline to sideline in coverage but perhaps even better when rushing the passer. Smith has all the tools in his arsenal to become a true three-down linebacker in the NFL, and the Texans will have a bunch of snaps for him in Year 1 and beyond.
Other players in consideration: Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland; David Bell, WR, Purdue
Round 4, Pick 107 (from DET via CLE): Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah
Proving he could hold his own at the Senior Bowl, Braxton Jones was dominant. In fact, he was the only one to hold his new teammate (Jermaine Johnson) to no pressures on the first day of a terrific week of practices. Jones will need some seasoning to take on a full NFL schedule week in and week out, but he has the frame and technique to do so.
Other players in consideration: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana; Ed Ingram, G, LSU
Round 4, Pick 108: Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA
There are some coachable traits to unlock with Kyle Philips, but once he’s unleashed, he has all the tools to be one of this draft’s best slot options. Philips has a great get-off at the line of scrimmage, but it could be better. As PFN’s James Fragoza unlocked, Philips could work on his release at the line and become even faster. That’s saying something for a guy who was already one of the fastest at the position this draft.
Other players in consideration: Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers; Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri
Round 5, Pick 170 (from NE): Braylon Sanders, WR, Ole Miss
Yes, another receiver for the Texans as Braylon Sanders heads to Houston. Sanders arguably had a better pre-draft process than he did during his career at Ole Miss, mainly because of the system in Oxford. He displayed strong hands and great routes this offseason and could become a valuable asset in the short and intermediate range for Davis Mills.
Other players in consideration: Danny Gray, WR, SMU; Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
Round 6, Pick 205 (from GB): Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State
The Texans continue their roster overhaul, grabbing Eyioma Uwazurike from Iowa State. The big man in the middle quietly shined with the Cyclones over the past five years. He racked up sacks and pressures, but his presence in run defense will go a long way in Houston. Uwazurike is a sure tackler and a force in the middle.
Other players in consideration: Kyler McMichael, CB, North Carolina; Chance Campbell, LB, Ole Miss
Round 6, Pick 207 (from SF via NYJ): Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, EDGE, Notre Dame
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa may have a bit of a problem as he adjusts to the NFL. However, if harnessed properly, his problem may become the opponent’s if appropriately used. Tagovailoa-Amosa is a little undersized to be used primarily inside. However, he showcased at the Shrine Bowl that his hands and spin move are too fast for tackles to catch up with. Being deployed in a situational EDGE rotation while he beefs up will go a long way towards MTA disrupting the pocket sooner than later.
Other players in consideration: Vincent Gray, CB, Michigan; Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin