Before we get into the article, let’s address a bias that is inherent. The goal of the NFL Draft is not to rank every college football player from 1 to 257 in order of excellence. This is a prediction, valuation, and estimation exercise. Because of this, running backs, even All-Americans, don’t get selected until the third round.
The players on this list are extraordinarily gifted. Right out of college, they have exceptional qualities that make them desirable enough to attract a contract worth a million dollars or more. But each player has an application, and an application is never perfect.
I’ve concentrated on needy spots that Houston is probably going to spend their two selections to address in the second round. I won’t belabor the point about Michael Penix Jr., I hope.
TX’s Xavier Worthy, wide receiver
I have personally and emotionally experienced the Worthy roller coaster for the last two seasons as a Texas Longhorn. You cringe at the indiscretions made during crucial plays and significant moments. Although the highlight video and NFL Combine performance seem intriguing, Houston would rather use one of their two second round selections on another receiver due to the size, drops, and versatility of the other receiver.
Keon Coleman, wide receiver (transfer from Michigan State) – Florida State
One another tantalizing receiver prospect. Merely 50 receptions is not exciting. incredibly powerful hands. Incredibly, 11 touchdowns on 50 catches is not something that can happen in the professional ranks. His yards per route fun is among the lowest, a stat shared by many of the first round busts of the recent era. The line of scrimmage was within ten yards of where he made 68% of his catches. He is essentially a go route, red zone target, and very costly screen pass option. It’s uncanny how much they resemble D.K. Metcalf.
Spending this kind of draft capital on a player who has so many red flags is just too much for such a good class of wide receivers.
Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw, CB
This gifted CB was severely hindered by an ACL tear, a split core muscle, a groin ailment, and numerous soft-tissue blows. Even though he had his ACL repaired a few years ago, he still struggles with injuries, and the NFL will only get harder. The NFL Combine saw him perform a 4.51 forty-yard sprint and a poor long jump, which left many perplexed considering his slender build. He is a rival who excelled in a cutthroat SEC with innate read-and-react skills. He can play both inside and outside and is quite consistent. In addition to his lackluster one interception in his first three years of play, he becomes frightened when defeated deeply.
One of those players that I would sooner take a chance on as an opponent than as a member of the Texans is Rakestraw.
Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus, DT
I would be cautious to draft a player to Houston even though I like his footage and think he has potential at the next level. First off, Dorlus embodies the term “tweener” because he is neither large enough to play on the heavier side to play on the end or little enough to play over the nose of the defense. Despite his talent and athleticism, Houston doesn’t think his scheme works. For example, any team will run the ball directly at that side if you put him inside Danielle Hunter on the defensive line. He can’t hold up to double teams very well at 285 pounds.
It would be preferable for Dorlus to be on a different team.
Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB
“Good run stuffer, excellent timing, strong football IQ, and competent coverage skills”
Everything a linebacker needs to succeed at the next level, right?
The fact is that he is 6’0, 228 pounds, and has arms that are 31 1/2 inches. The linebacker position’s measurables are 18%, 10%, and 33%. In case you’re not familiar with the concept of percentiles, the higher the better.
Sure, he’s quick enough and smart enough to find the correct area, but it won’t look good for him at the next level if he can’t hold his own or is overwhelmed by skilled interior linemen. He would be an unquestionable top pick if he were bigger, faster, and stronger, but the measurables are more concerning than the intangibles.
Oh State’s Michael Hall Jr., DT
Perhaps this is just a predisposition on my part, but I don’t want the player to be undersized in a situation when size is the most important consideration. He certainly resembles these slimmer, nimble, and twitchy defensive tackles that rush the ball. However, it was clear to everyone who saw Michigan vs. Ohio State that the Wolverines were punishing Ohio State in order to go after a talent such as Hall. Although NFL offenses won’t be as outrageous as they once were, it makes little sense to select a player this early on who teams would base their strategy on.
Opponents should have to avoid rather than attack the players selected 42 and 59. Because of his height, ability to move quickly off the line of scrimmage, and slippery nature versus guards, Hall has one of the highest ceilings in this class. He may either play in the pro bowl or be a third down rusher only.
