In the latest NFL mock draft, the Houston Texans, holding the No. 23 pick, are projected to add another valuable weapon for their Offensive Rookie of the Year, C.J. Stroud. The choice is LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., a skilled pass-catcher who would join the ranks of breakout star Nico Collins and rookie sensation Tank Dell, enhancing the Texans’ receiving corps. The move aligns with previous rumors suggesting Houston’s interest in acquiring another receiver during the offseason.
According to NFL.com’s mock draft analysis, bringing in Brian Thomas Jr. would create a formidable trio of wide receivers, putting Houston in contention with any team in the league.
Thomas, who served as the No. 2 option in college football’s highest-scoring offense, showcased potential comparable to a No. 1 receiver. Playing alongside Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, the 6-4 Louisiana native accumulated 1,117 yards and set a career-high with 17 touchdowns. Thomas played a supporting role (Robin) to fellow first-round prospect Malik Nabers, leading the SEC in receiving touchdowns and ranking fourth in receiving yards (68 catches). His impressive 17.8 yards per reception ranked sixth among qualified receivers.
Given the Texans’ 7th-place finish in passing, the mock draft emphasizes the need to address potential injury concerns by adding at least one more receiving target. Tank Dell is returning from a season-ending broken leg, and Nico Collins, despite exceeding 1,200 receiving yards in a single season, has missed 12 games since being drafted from Michigan in 2021. The addition of Brian Thomas Jr. is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s offensive arsenal and provide more support for their rising star, C.J. Stroud.
The Houston Texans are facing potential roster adjustments, with wide receiver Robert Woods being considered as a potential cap cut. Additionally, impending free agent Noah Brown concluded the season on the injured reserve list. Tight end Dalton Schultz, who ranked fourth in receiving yards, is also set to become a free agent and is anticipated to command an annual salary in the range of $10-12 million on a new contract. In light of these considerations, LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. is presented as a versatile and impactful option, capable of contributing across different positions.
Thomas is regarded as a plug-and-play option, having demonstrated effectiveness in various roles, including 62 reps in the slot last season. His performance inside the numbers resulted in 14 first downs and four touchdowns. Notably, a significant portion of Thomas’ success was attributed to yards after the catch, with 886 of his over 1,100 receiving yards coming in this category. While he possesses the necessary speed for vertical plays, some concerns are raised about his route tree, as a substantial portion of his success at LSU was on fly patterns or slant routes. His acceleration, while promising, occasionally contributes to less precise footwork during breaks.
Despite potential concerns, the addition of Thomas is seen as an opportunity to enhance the Texans’ offensive capabilities. Importantly, it is emphasized that Thomas’ arrival wouldn’t necessitate moving Tank Dell inside, potentially allowing for more creative play-calling and expanding the passing game as C.J. Stroud evolves from Rookie of the Year to a potential MVP candidate.
The decision on whether to pursue a high-profile veteran receiver in free agency will play a significant role in the general manager Nick Caserio’s considerations. The outcome of free agency could impact the team’s priorities, with the receiver position potentially moving down the priority list if a notable veteran signing occurs during the tampering period.
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