Picking the best Round 1 draft target for the Houston Texans after the 2024 NFL Combine
After one of the more magical seasons you will see from the Houston Texans in 2023, the team is gearing up to build on what happened last season. They went from a three-win team the year before to winning a playoff game over the Cleveland Browns with rookies all over the roster and staff.This team […]
After one of the more magical seasons you will see from the Houston Texans in 2023, the team is gearing up to build on what happened last season. They went from a three-win team the year before to winning a playoff game over the Cleveland Browns with rookies all over the roster and staff.
This team is ready to take that next jump, but it starts in the draft and free agency. Free agency comes first on the NFL schedule, but the NFL Combine is this week, where players will have a chance to display their skills and athleticism in workouts.
The front office and coaching staff are traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana, to see these prospects up close and personal. This year, they are picking towards the end of the first round, which they did the complete opposite last year. The decision will be harder this draft than it was the last, as taking C.J. Stroud was a no-brainer. They still need to fill a ton of positions and will do that in both free agency and the draft.
Here at A to Z Sports, we have a series going where we pick the perfect Round 1, 2, 3, and so on, pick as if there were no trades happening. For the Texans, we did that as well, and it wasn't easy, as there are plenty of options at 23, but also some options that could be off the board. In this case, we have the Texans going defense.
The Texans should draft Illinois DT Johnny Newton with the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft
There is a good chance that Murphy doesn't last till pick no. 23, as he is one of the best, if not the best defensive tackles in the draft. He and his counterpart Sweat are up there on most big boards. After the 2024 NFL Combine, I think it's safe to say Murphy is going in the top 15. So, I have the Texans picking the next best defensive tackle in this draft in Illinois defender Johnny Newton.
Sure, they need an offensive line, another weapon for C.J. Stroud, and some help in the secondary. However, this pick would be too good to pass up when you look at the free agents the Texans have. Newton could help fill that void if the Texans decide to dismiss those free-agent defensive linemen in free agency.
Sheldon Rankins, Hassan Ridgeway, and Teair Tart are all unrestricted free agents the Texans have at the defensive tackle position. Then Khalil Davis is a restricted free agent. If they were to bring none of those guys back, which won't happen, the Texans would be left with just two defensive tackles on the roster.
This move would make a ton of sense, and then you could have an elite pairing of two young defensive linemen, Will Anderson and Johnny Newton, who fill all of the needs on the defensive line that the Texans have, and he still has a ton of untapped potential.
Newton is a great fit for the Texans' defense
Newton is an elite athlete, with an explosive first step and lateral quickness to threaten both gaps. He is efficient with club rip, resulting in many quick wins. Newton can play in the run and the passing game, as he swims over run blockers when they lean forward and has the speed/effort to chase down runs from the backside. Newton is the second-best defensive tackle and the 23rd overall player on A to Z Sports Big Board.
The Houston Texans struggled to get to the passer. They finished with the seventh-least sacks in the league. They also need to stop the run. Newton happens to have a great balance of both abilities. He won't be a guy who gets 13 sacks his first few years like Chris Jones from that defensive tackle spot, but he can do similar things to what the Texans defensive line did last year, even as a rookie. And the Texans can develop him.
Newton did not participate in any drills at the 2024 NFL Combine, as he is nursing a foot injury. However, he had some great interviews. He did mention that he had already met with the Texans in the pre-draft interview process and had a very good meeting.
The Texans are in the market for a guy who can plug holes and rush the passer. Newton can do both. Newton has twitch, speed, and explosiveness to threaten blockers in every direction. He is an extremely productive pass rusher, despite being the central focus of opponents' game plans, and is a pass rushing technician with a full moveset at his disposal. In terms of the run game, he backdoors reach blocks and closes in on the ballcarrier. He is a guy that has a tremendous amount of skill, and would help Houston right away.
Final word
The Texans have a big decision to make in the draft. Really, they can't mess it up when you have as many holes to fill as the Texans do. However, I think taking Newton would be smart if he is available.
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