Houston Texans seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft
By Ian Higgins
Houston Texans 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2
36. Shaun Wade. Ohio State. player. 10. Scouting Report. College Stats. CB
Even after an uninspiring performance against Devonta Smith and the Alabama Crimson Tide offense, Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade has retained his 2021 NFL draft stock among many front offices. Making a hasty switch to boundary-corner in a limited pandemic-offseason, Wade struggled to transition from nickel-corner with stiff-hips and poorly judged jams at the line of scrimmage.
Despite these struggles, Wade still projects as a day one slot-corner who can rely upon his athleticism to match NFL wide receivers. With the right coaching and opportunities for growth in game-scenarios throughout the season, Wade could shake the stigma that he can’t compete on the boundary as long as he reigns in his aggression off of the snap.
Scouting Report. S. Pittsburgh. College Stats. Paris Ford. 56. player. 10
After bringing in the future of their secondary, the Houston Texans pair Wade with a rangy safety out of Pittsburgh. Paris Ford has been an emotional leader within the defensive unit and can bring similar energy to an uninspired Houston Texans defense with his physical style of play.
With a projected forty-yard-dash in the 4.4’s, Ford is a coverage-safety who has showcased an aggressive downhill mentality paired with physical tackling at the point of attack.
This downhill mentality translates directly into his abilities in coverage, showing his best efforts playing shell-coverage with the freedom to capitalize on his instincts and break down on the play for open-field tackles.
Houston Texans 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3
College Stats. Jaylen Twyman. 67. player. 10. Scouting Report. DL. Pittsburgh
After allowing 160.3 yards per game on the ground, the Houston Texans desperately need to find an answer to their defensive woes against the run in the 2021 NFL draft.
Comparably sized to the outgoing All-Pro defensive end, Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Twyman is a three-technique defensive tackle who has excelled in pass-rush. With impressive performances against both Penn State and North Carolina in his 2019 campaign, Twyman is a penetrating lineman who fits a mold very similar to former Pittsburgh Panther product Aaron Donald.
At six-foot-two, 291-pounds, Twyman projects as a 3-4 defensive end, perfectly filling the void left by Watt within the Houston Texans front-seven. Although not as stout in run-defense, Twyman has shown immense growth potential throughout his collegiate career and displays an NFL-ready mindset by seeking constant improvement.