The Houston Texans have begun to talk with prospective 2024 draft prospects this week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
It’s a time for the coaches to get to know players a little bit better in preparation for Pro Days and team workouts down the line and ahead of the draft in April. Houston also gets the chance to see how some of the prospects perform in practice drills as well as gain a better understanding of medical and measurable information.
Defensive back is a position the Texans could target as early as the first round. Derek Stingley Jr. is a stud on one side, but it’s unclear who will be the starting cornerback opposite him with Steven Nelson set to hit free agency. The safety positions are solid with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward, but there’s always room to add depth in the secondary.
The Texans already met with a few defensive line prospects. Here are the defensive backs who’ve spoken with Houston.
Toledo CB Quenyon Mitchell
Toledo @ToledoFB corner Quenyon Mitchell has a formal meeting with #Texans at #NFLCombine as well as #Falcons #Lions several others and reflects on how @seniorbowl performance @JimNagy_SB proved he can play with 'the big dogs' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/KpJnyOLHGa
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 29, 2024
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
#Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry did have a formal meeting with the #Texans. He said he was very positive. pic.twitter.com/oo891cZUf4
— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) February 29, 2024
Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil had an informal meeting with the #Texans here at the combine. pic.twitter.com/ybXu2vrggF
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Notre Dame CB Cam Hart
Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart had an informal meeting with the #Texans here after meeting with them at the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/FOasZx0Oz0
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Wake Forest S Malik Mustapha
Wake Forest safety Malik Mustapha said he met with the #Texans while here at the combine.
He said guys use the portal to run from situations but he used it to improve his chances to be where he is now. Played at University of Richmond before WF. pic.twitter.com/fB1GiZcARx
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. had a formal meeting with the #Texans. He said he could tell DeMeco Ryans likes physical players like him.
He said he loves being physical. One of his standout plays was turning a big gain into a short one because he diagnosed and got downhill against Tenn. pic.twitter.com/3cBvRrxtqG
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Clemson CB Nate Wiggins
Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins said he’s set to meet with the #Texans today.
He was upset people don’t think he’s going to be fast when he works out. Wiggins said he wants to follow the best WR on the other team and lock him up. pic.twitter.com/km0IluBOeJ
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Penn State CB Kalen King
Penn State cornerback Kalen King said he had an informal interview with the #Texans after meeting with them at the Senior Bowl.
He said he used to box a little bit but “quickly learned I wasn’t a boxer.”
He also said he didn’t believe the moon landing happened lol. pic.twitter.com/uCVN9CsoMx
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter
Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter said he had a formal meeting here at the combine with the #Texans. pic.twitter.com/ys0A98uHbv
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
Alabama CB Terrion Arnold
Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold met with the #Texans.
Said he loved talking to DeMeco Ryans, noting he played at Alabama as well. Shouted out former teammate Will Anderson.
He explained why he believes he’s the best cornerback in the draft. pic.twitter.com/msQzDLmajA
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) February 29, 2024
