In the previous edition of this pre draft series, we broke down a few potential WR’s and how they would fit with the Texans. We’ll be moving to the other side of the football in this edition. The big boys up front. Let’s talk about the DT’s. What potential big kahuna’s can we get up front to help out Will Anderson Jr, the Terminator, and Danielle Hunter, the Cyborg?
1. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
2024: 18 TK, 7 TFL, 3 SK, 5 PD
AP Photo: Darron Cummings
Kenneth Grant is a DREAM scenario pick for me if he ends up becoming a Houston Texan. At 6’3 and a massive 340 pounds, he moves very well. His ability as a run stuffer will be his calling card at the next level. He is excellent at the point of attack, is a constant commander of double teams, and even so, he still manages to affect the play and cause havoc in the middle of the defense. Grant may struggle a bit against teams who run zone because his side to side agility is not as great as his exceptional straight line speed. From a pass rushing standpoint, he’s developed a rip and swim move to use, despite the effectiveness of his bull rush due to his size. With his weaknesses in mind, I still think that considering his ability to dominate 1 on 1 matchups, and his wherewithal to get those hands up and bat balls down when his rush is stopped, will really help mask his deficiencies. Offensive line units around the NFL should be having nightmares preparing for a defensive line unit featuring, Anderson, Hunter, and Grant.
2. Darius Alexander, Toledo
2024: 17 TK, 8 TFL, 3.5 SK, 4 PD
Associated Press
Darius Alexander is a name who has been buzzing throughout the mock draft community. His stock has skyrocketed since he’s dominated in Senior Bowl. His Senior Bowl tape revealed his quickness, something we didn’t see much of in his tape at Toledo during the college football season. He has length and good size at 6’4 and about 300 pounds. He’s shown the ability to win 1 on 1 blocks and really show that quick twitch as a pass rusher, when the need arises. He doesn’t often get blown off the ball and is able to absorb contact against the run, and is able to hold his own against double teams. His lack of agility tends to hurt him against the run, and at times and it wouldn’t hurt for him to add a few more counter pass rush moves. Demeco Ryans has typically gotten more than we thought out of his DT’s, and I believe he can squeeze all the potential out of him and then some if the Texans were to draft Alexander.
3. Omar Norman-Lott, Tennessee
2024: 8 TK, 4 TFL
Kate Luffman, Tennessee Athletics
Omar Norman- Lott is a wild card of a prospect. Not the typical path for a college player entering the NFL, he was a rotational player for the Volunteers this past season but he showed explosion and potential to be a viable developmental pass rush specialist as a pro. He boasts a powerful first step, and shows power as an interior defensive lineman in pass rush situations. His intensity is something I believe Demeco Ryans and the defensive staff may see as a positive but he also had discipline issues at Tennessee, which is something the Texans may shy away from considering their own discipline issues across the board as a team in 2024. He’s not a sure tackler, not a high grade run defender, and most of his flash comes as a pass rusher. We just haven’t seen him on the field a ton to where we can truly diagnose his potential as a starter on the defensive line. Clearly not a complete player as a prospect, he’s a very intriguing one because with the right coaching and development, his potential as a rotational piece is still there. The challenge for Demeco if he is drafted will be to harness that intensity and attitude and coach up the holes in his game.
