Author: /u/EJC28

Round 4, Pick 107 – Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida

NFL: It’s a fun afternoon of tape study watching Pierce play the game like a coiled spring ready to explode on each snap. He’s an urgent runner with twitchy downfield burst, tackle-breaking leg drive and outstanding balance through contact. He reads and reacts to block development quickly and creates additional yardage with both power and subtle shiftiness. Pierce was highly productive (16 total touchdowns) in 2021 despite an embarrassingly low usage rate by the coaching staff. He has plenty of tread left on the tires and fits into any run-blocking scheme as a quality future starter or member of a RB tandem.

CBS Sports: B+. Rock-solid frame with tree trunks for legs, but he’s dynamic changing directions. Not incredibly elusive nor a burner. Just a unique specimen at his size with his light feet. Kevlar type in pass pro too. This is a feature back.

WalterFootball: A-. The Texans needed a running back, and the Jets stole Breece Hall from them in the second round. Dameon Pierce, a tough runner, is a nice consolation prize here in the fourth round. I thought he’d go a round earlier, so I like this pick.

Round 5, Pick 150 – Thomas Booker, DT, Stanford

NFL: The Texans entered the draft with a need at defensive line and finally address it here. Booker offers some scheme versatility to line up at three-technique in the Texans’ 4-3 base or line up across from tackles depending on the scheme.

CBS Sports: C+. Versatile DL built like an ox who can win up and down the line but doesn’t use his hands as often as he should and has good, not great burst. Good DL reinforcement for Houston.

WalterFootball: B+. This is a solid pick, as I had Thomas Booker in this area. Booker is a versatile defensive lineman who can play in any scheme. The Texans needed help up front, but then again, they need help everywhere.

Round 5, Pick 170 – Teagan Quitoriano, TE, Oregon State

NFL: The Texans’ tight end room is unproven, so they needed to add some competition. Quitoriano is a post-up receiver with desired tenacity as a blocker, but he must prove to be a more consistent finisher in camp to win a roster spot.

CBS Sports: C+. Large, overpowering blocker who was low volume receiver in college. Physical in his routes, which helps him get open. Good athlete overall but not dynamic off the ball or super-fast down the field. Some YAC ability.

WalterFootball: D. I never had Teagan Quitoriano on my radar at all. He’s just a blocking tight end, which can be found anywhere. This seems like a pick that could easily have been made in the seventh round.

Round 6, Pick 205 – Austin Deculus, OT, LSU

NFL: Houston waited until the sixth round to add depth to a shaky offensive line. Deculus will compete for a roster spot, likely as a right tackle.

CBS Sports: C. Wins with technically sound hand work and assignment-sound play. Very limited athlete for the next level and doesn’t do well against power. Developmental type.

WalterFootball: A-. It’s no surprise that the Texans are addressing their offensive line again. They’re getting a solid third-day prospect I had in the fifth round. Austin Deculus is a versatile player who can be used at tackle or guard.