3 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl prospects who might assist the Houston Texans
A lot of the Houston Texans’ draft course of will embody the thrill of the primary spherical because the franchise works with two picks within the top-15 general.
Nevertheless, with 12 picks, tied with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs for probably the most in April’s draft, the Texans have a large scope for in the case of including younger expertise. As such, in addition they want to remember some prospects who is probably not profitable the publicity battle throughout draft season.
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl kicks off Jan. 28, and listed here are three prospects the Texans must maintain tabs on all through the draft course of.
CB Steven Jones, Appalachian State
(AP Photograph/Nell Redmond)
Jones isn’t the identical physique kind as Derek Stingley, however at 5-10, 180 kilos, the Appalachian State product might be a serviceable slot cornerback. Desmond King might be 29 years previous by the top of the 2023 marketing campaign, and is 5-10, similar as Jones. The redshirt senior offered Appalachian State with 15 go breakups — nearly double from a yr prior — to go along with 45 mixed tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack.
RB Emari Demercado
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Naturally Dameon Pierce is the Texans’ bell-cow whereas on his rookie contract, however the former 2022 fourth-rounder will want a spell sometimes. Demercado had a stellar season for TCU with 121 carries for 681 yards and 6 touchdowns to associate with 13 catches for 65 yards and a rating. If the Texans wish to have a youthful operating again steady, then Demercado might meet that objective, and he additionally has expertise as a kickoff returner.
WR Joseph Ngata
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The draw back with Ngata is his availability as he adopted up a 13-game marketing campaign in 2019 with a mixed 12 over the subsequent two seasons. Nevertheless, 2022 confirmed a glimpse at what the 6-3, 220-pound wideout might present over a full yr. The Clemson product gathered 41 catches for 526 yards and two touchdowns by way of 14 video games, a 12.8 yards per reception. If Ngata is a part of the receiving corps and allowed to develop at his personal tempo, the Texans might have a giant, dependable goal — and a alternative for Nico Collins — within the years to come back.