What do the Houston Texans do when they are on the clock at number 23? According to one mock draft, adding another weapon for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud appears to be the best option. According to the most recent NFL.com mock, the Texans will add another solidified pass-catcher in LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. to combine with breakthrough star Nico Collins and rookie sensation Tank Dell. Houston is rumoured to be in the market for another receiver this summer. “With Thomas joining Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Houston would have the best wide receiver trio in the league.” – NFL.Com”
Thomas, the No. 2 option on college football’s top-scoring offence, produced numbers that matched his No. 1 potential. Hauling in touchdown passes from Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, the 6-4 Louisiana native finished with 1,117 yards and a career-high 17 touchdowns. Thomas, who played Robin opposite fellow first-round pick Malik Nabers, led the SEC in receiving touchdowns while finishing fourth in receiving yards and catches (68). His 17.8 yards per reception placed him sixth among eligible receivers. Houston, which finished seventh in passing, should explore adding at least one target owing to injury worries. Dell is returning from a season-ending fractured leg. Collins, who became the franchise’s third receiver to reach 1,200 receiving yards in a single season, has missed 12 games since being drafted out of Michigan in 2021. Robert Woods, a potential cap cut, missed three games, and prospective free agency Noah Brown concluded the season on the injured reserve list. Tight end Dalton Schultz, who finished fourth in receiving yards, is also a free agent and is likely to earn between $10 and $12 million per year on his next contract. Thomas is a plug-and-play choice, regardless of position.
Last season, 62 of his reps were in the slot. He also recorded 14 first downs while lining up inside the numbers and scoring four times. The majority of Thomas’ accomplishments came in space. Of his more than 1,100 receiving yards, 886 were after the catch. Thomas also has the vertical speed required to generate separation at the line of scrimmage and gain 20 yards or more downfield. One of Thomas’ only flaws is his route tree. At LSU, he was most successful on fly patterns or slant routes. His acceleration is promising, but it also leads to clumsy footing when entering and exiting breaks. The inclusion of Thomas would not require Dell to relocate indoors. As Stroud progresses from Rookie of the Year to MVP candidate, it may provide more possibilities for Bobby Slowik to be creative with his play-calling and up the level of passing.
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