Houston Texans 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Building A Strong Defense

Round 3, 68th Overall: Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M

The Houston Texans obviously have a solid setup for Davis Mills in year two, but getting a top tier running back in this class would help things. It’s not to hide Mills, but the running back room in Houston is one full of journeymen. Rex Burkhead, Marlon Mack, Dare Ogunbowale, and Royce Freeman isn’t a great room.

Isaiah Spiller could easily take the mantle as the top running back for the Texans. Are there some speed concerns? Yes, but ripping off chunk plays comes at a low clip, and Spiller can be the tough bellcow between the tackles. He’s tough to bring down, can bounce off would-be tacklers, and improved as a pass catcher in his final season. A three down back gives Mills and this team more on offense.

Round 3, 80th Overall: Nick Cross, S, Maryland

Losing Justin Reid is a big deal for the Houston Texans, and leaves the room with Eric Murray as the only one under contract beyond next season. They could address the position earlier, but they get solid value in Nick Cross here. Cross has the speed and experience to man the back end of a defense, and closes with authority downhill. He can clean up angles, but has the versatility to move around and make plays on this defense.