The 2020 NFL Draft is still on schedule, and the Houston Texans possess eight picks with three in the top-100.
One position group that coach and general manager Bill O’Brien’s side would be smart to target is cornerback, which has been something of an Achilles heel for the team the past few years. Despite having drafted four corners in the last three years alone, 2019 second-round pick Lonnie Johnson is the only selection remaining on the roster.
Here are three options for the Texans to look at, one second-round target, one mid-rounder, and one potential late-round steal.
2nd round, No. 40 overall: Jeff Gladney, TCU
Standing at 5-10, 191 pounds, Gladney instantly catches the eye with his speed and ability to read the quarterback. A first-team all-Big 12 standout who notched up 14 pass breakups his senior year, the Texas native has the build and athleticism to be used both inside and out. Given O’Brien’s emphasis on versatility, this will surely appeal to the team especially given their tendency to draft from in-state. If they are to go for Gladney they would be wise to either use their 40th overall pick or possibly trade up to the early second.
Mid-round: Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
A player the Texans had a formal meeting with at the NFL Scouting Combine, Robertson is coming off of an impressive 2019 season during which he tied the nation for most pass breakups (16). An undersized player at 5-8 and 187 pounds, he more than makes up for his height with his physicality. What jumps off the tape is his brutal tackling and no-nonsense approach to the game.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein put it perfectly in his player analysis: “Smallish, outside corner with tremendous intensity, swagger and toughness.”
His upside is tremendous and if he is able to translate his college dominance to the NFL he would be a great pick around rounds 3-4.
Late-rounder: Lamar Jackson, Nebraska
That’s right, another Lamar Jackson is entering the league. The 6-2, 208-pound corner cuts an imposing figure in the backfield with 32 1/4 inch arms and 9 1/2 inch hands to boot. While his 4.58 40-yard dash at the Combine may not be particularly eye-catching, his speed in-game is impressive with his ability to find that next-gear evident. He has a good eye for the game and given his 12 pass breakups and three interceptions last season, the 2019 Nebraska defensive MVP offers a great upside, as well as the ability to play both safety and corner.
