Houston Texans 3-round 2022 mock draft: Starting the rebuild

Round 2: Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

The Houston Texans don’t have an awful group on defense, as was mentioned before. The issue with it is they lack a true shutdown corner. Right now, Vernon Hargreaves and Terrance Mitchell are listed as the starters for Houston, with Desmond King recently signed to potentially take one of the spots. There were expectations for Lonnie Johnson, but that hasn’t worked out to this point.

Luckily, the 2022 NFL Draft looks to be rich at the corner position. There are multiple players that look like early first round locks, and plenty others that will bring value on day two. One of those players is Derion Kendrick.

Kendrick was dropped from the Clemson program but found a new home with the Georgia Bulldogs. Playing in Kirby Smart’s defense will only help his game. Kendrick has shown the ability to handle things in man coverage or in zone. He has very good ball skills and great athleticism and agility. A year at Georgia will help Kendrick refine his skills in coverage, his transitions, and his versatility with schemes.

The Texans, who are likely to run zone this season, would be a great fit for Kendrick, and Kendrick has the potential to be a lockdown corner and revitalize the defense.