The NFL Scouting Combine is back and kicks off this week at Lucas Oil Stadium with a new list of NFL prospects. As the Houston Texans come off an unexpected divisional title, they will be looking at needs and positions to fill in around their new star quarterback. Who should they look for? I have 10 players in mind that could be great additions to the Bulls on Parade as they look to take a step forward in 2024.
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT Illinois
I’ll let you in on a little secret; this is my number one draft crush. Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton will be a Defensive Player of the Year/All-Pro player that can be a pillar. Shining in the last two seasons of his collegiate career at Illinois, Newton is a 2x First-Team All- Big Ten and a Consensus All American. He shows traits of having a never ending motor while easily shedding blocks and wrecking plays. At 6’2″ and about 295 pounds, Johnny Newton has a combination of speed, strength, and finesse that pops on film. Very rarely is he stopped or stifled. Never giving up pursuit and giving hell to opposing quarterbacks. If he has a great combine, Johnny Newton will surely become a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.
Will Newton be available at 23 for the Houston Texans? Probably not, but one could dream. Nick Caserio should be watching Johnny closely in drills and workouts just in case he could be available. The Texans defense would be a very scary thing with Newton on the line.
Kamren Kinchens, S Miami
Though the Texans have names at safety with highlight film reels, drafting safety depth is an underrated need this offseason with some intriguing options. Kamren Kinchens is the most complete safety in this draft with some great pro ball traits. He has been a consistent captain for the Miami Hurricanes defense while earning 2x First-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-American honors. Kinchens stands at 6’0″ and 205 pounds, giving NFL defenses a reliable and stout frame. His stature contributes to his tackling ability as he can pursue at the line and in the second level. Kamren Kinchens can also provide ballhawking abilities and creates turnovers at a consistent rate. There is no doubt that in the right hands, Kinchens can be a reliable NFL starter.
After this combine, I do believe Kinchens will become a late first rounder. An intriguing option at 23 for the Texans if they look to add depth at safety.
Tyler Nubin, S Minnesota
Staying with safeties, Tyler Nubin out of Minnesota is a very interesting option for the Texans as a Day 2 pick. Immediately, his size stands out at 6’2″ and 210 pounds. Nubin certainly doesn’t move like a big guy. He can be very rangy and uses his length to his advantage in coverage. Nubin’s measurables at the combine will be on full display. His accolades go along with his play as Tyler has earned First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American honors. His versatility will be lauded as the draft approaches as he can play Box and can be used against the run and as a pass rusher.
Tyler Nubin certainly has the traits to be a reliable NFL starter with his size and athleticism. He would be a scary addition to DeMeco’s defense and would be a treat to see how he is utilized.
Ben Sinnott, TE Kansas State
With TE Dalton Schultz slated to become a free agent, the Texans can pay very close attention to this year’s tight ends group. A very intriguing Day 3 pick could be Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott. Standing with a stature of 6’4″ and 250 pounds, Sinnott was utilized as a TE/FB hybrid with very interesting results. He has earned 2x First-Team All-Big 12 honors while becoming a reliable target for the Wildcats. Sinnott plays all over the line with the ability the flex out wide, play in the slot, and play out of the backfield. From showing a willingness to block to getting vertical on the perimeter, it will be fun to see how an NFL OC uses Ben.
The Houston Texans could look to add TE depth and it starts by watching Ben Sinnott’s drills at the scouting combine. He could be a fun watch in Slowik’s offense. To me, he is a way better James Casey.
Malachi Corley, WR Western Kentucky
It’s no secret that giving quarterback CJ Stroud more weapons is a priority this offseason. Nick Casserio and co. will certainly be watching the wide receiver group at this year’s scouting combine. One of the most interesting prospects is Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley. At 6’0″ and 210 pounds, he possess trait’s that most receivers in this draft don’t. Corley has earned 2x First-Team All-CUSA honors by being an absolute machine with the ball in his hands. Malachi has special YAC abilities as he was utilized as a super utility receiver by the Hilltoppers. The combination of his speed and frame allow him to gain positive yards in any situation. Corley is also a very physical blocker as he is a runner.
Malachi Corley may not be the big time vertical threat that other wide reciver’s are, but his special traits can be utilized big time. With the Houston Texans, I can see Corley having a Deebo-like role. An interesting Day 2 option after his combine.
Roman Wilson, WR Michigan
Speaking of weapons for CJ Stroud, Roman Wilson may very well be this year’s most underrated receiver prospect. Though he did not produce the same as other top receiving options in this draft, Wilson has the traits to be an immediate game changer on an NFL offense. Standing at 6’0″ and 190 pounds, he is projected to run a low 4.3 40 at this year’s combine. Wilson’s combination of speed and route running make him an ELECTRIC player with tons of versatility. At the Senior Bowl, Roman put on a show in practice as he put NFL prospects in spin cycles all week long. His quick hips and ability to break over the middle of the field would be deadly in Bobby Slowik’s offense.
It would not surprise me if Roman Wilson becomes a late Day 1 pick after his NFL Combine. If he slips into Day 2, he should become a target for the Texans.
Braelon Allen, RB Wisconsin
There are so many options at running back for the Houston Texans this offseason. With them being the betting favorites to land free agent Saquon Barkley, this position more than likely will not be a priority this draft. However, if the Texans do choose to add a AJ Dillon-esque presence in the backfield, look no further than his clone. Braelon Allen is a freakish athlete at 6’2″ and 240 pounds. Earning 3x Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, Allen is only 20 years old with very little mileage. Watching his combine will be a blast as he will surely become a late Day 2 pick.
With the amount of options the Texans have at running back, this will be a longshot. However, Caserio should be paying attention to this alien’s workouts and thinking about the goal line presence he would have.
Matthew Jones, OG Ohio State
I will be the first to tell you that interior offensive line is not much of a priority for the Texans. After stealing Shaq Mason, Juice Scruggs, and Jarrett Patterson last offseason, the depth is all there. If the team does look somewhere, it can be at Matthew Jones. CJ Stroud values camaraderie and what’s better than a former teammate? Jones has good size and is good enough at blocking in the second level.
Adding Matthew Jones as interior o-line depth would not be a bad move at all. It will be interesting to watch his scouting combine performance.
Adisa Isaac, EDGE Penn State
You can never have enough edge rushers. Especially in a DeMeco Ryans’ defense. On the opposite side of potential 1st rounder Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac had a very prolific season for Penn State. At a monster size of 6’4″ and 250 pounds, he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors. Issac’s size is more impressive when you see how quick he can move laterally. He utilizes his fluidity to bend around tackles and create pressure. Isaac also flashes in pursuit and was even asked to drop into coverage at times.
With edge rusher Jonathan Greenard slated to become a free agent, the Houston Texans will surely be monitoring the edge group in this year’s combine. After Adisa Isaac flashes his athleticism, he will be a fun option as a Day 2 pick.
Kamari Lassiter, CB Georgia
Who doesn’t love a good SEC defender? Kamari Lassiter is a great, underrated defensive back in this year’s draft. Subtle in size, yet there is nothing subtle about his physicality and instincts. Lassiter is a hard hitter with a dawg in him that teams will be quick to notice. He was asked to play all over the field at Georgia which resulted in back to back National Championship titles. Lassiter will be watched carefully at this year’s combine.
With defensive back Steven Nelson slated to become a free agent, the Texans will be monitoring all options. Kamari Lassiter can be a guy to garner attention.
It will be interesting to see who catches the eyes of the Houston Texans staff at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Many great, underrated options to monitor as they look to take a huge leap in the 2024-25 NFL season.
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