The 2019 NFL Draft is underway in Nashville, and FTW’s lead NFL writer Steven Ruiz is grading picks and offering analysis on how each player will fit with his new team.
No. 23: Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
Analysis: Tytus Howard is an impressive ball of clay, but he’ll need time to be molded into a contributor, and I don’t know if the Texans have time to wait for that to happen. Or the coaching staff to make it happen. Maybe Howard is the next Terron Armstead. Or maybe he’ll be the next athletic tackle who flames out of the league in three years. I’d be more comfortable betting on the latter.
GRADE: D
Round 2
No. 54: Lonnie Johnson, CB Kentucky
Analysis: Lonnie Johnson has all the tools to be a good NFL cornerback, but his tape is … not great. There are some embarrassing reps on all over it. Maybe the Texans coaching staff will unlock his potential but this was a risky pick.
GRADE: D+
No. 55: Max Scharping, OT Northern Illinois
Analysis: I actually like this pick more than Houston’s first-round pick. The Texans needed to address the offensive line, and they’ve done so in the first two picks. My only concern is that both Tytus Howard and Max Scharping are projects, and Deshaun Watson needs more protection now.
