Houston Texans: Trenches Highlight 2022 NFL Draft 1st Round Targets

Top Options At No. 3 Overall

Travon Walker

Right now, it feels like Travon Walker is one of the favorites for the Houston Texans. Walker has been a massive riser throughout the 2022 NFL Draft process. His athletic testing for 6’5″ and 272 pounds is absurd. As for production, it isn’t there as a pass rusher. So why is he going early? It’s all about projection, upside, and role at Georgia. Walker played a lot of 4i and head on the tackle. He had phenomenal range, agility, and power to take on blockers, shed them, handle runs to the perimeter, and drop in coverage.

Kayvon Thibodeaux

His stock has taken a hit for a ridiculous reason, but Kayvon Thibodeaux could be in play if both Aidan Hutchinson and Walker come off at one and two. Thibodeaux has the ability to win around the arc, dip, and flatten to the quarterback as a rusher. His motor runs hot, he’s got pop in his hands, and as good a ceiling as anyone not named Walker.

Ahmad Gardner

This may be the surprising one, but the Houston Texans really don’t have much at corner at all, outside of Desmond King in the slot. Ahmad Gardner is now the consensus number one corner in the class. He plays a physical brand of football at the line of scrimmage and can reroute receivers. He’s got good instincts in off-coverage and can stay in the hip pocket of any receiver. If you haven’t heard it enough, did you know he didn’t allow a touchdown in college?

Ikem Ekwonu

Maybe it’s out there considering Tunsil and Howard, but Ikem Ekwonu would be a luxury selection to really give the Texans a strength on the offensive line. Ekwonu buries people in the run game, and has the versatility to play tackle and guard. He’s good at staying active with his hands to reset in pass protection, and has improved his footwork in his time at tackle.