How will the Texans use their picks in the 2019 NFL draft? We’re breaking down every selection below. After surrendering its 2018 first rounder in the Deshaun Watson draft-day trade in 2017, the Texans are back in the first round. Houston holds the No. 23 pick in the 2019 draft after winning the AFC South last year at 11–5. The Texans lost to the Colts in the AFC Wild Card. How will the Texans use their picks in this year's NFL draft? We’re breaking down every selection below. Here's the full list of picks the Texans hold in the 2019 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made. Round 1, Pick 23 (No. 23 overall): Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State Andy Benoit's grade: B- The Eagles leapfrogged the tackle-needy Texans to take developmental blocker Andre Dillard, so Houston took the next most enticing development project in Howard. Scouts believe Howard, who will make the transition from Alabama State to the NFL, will need help with his technique. It’s a little surprising the Texans would invest in a project given that bigger school players like Jawaan Taylor and Cody Ford were still on the board. After all, the Texans are a playoff-caliber club and Deshaun Watson, who took far more hits than an NFL QB should, needs protection NOW. But obviously the Texans looked closely at all the tackles in this year’s draft. Howard, who could play on the right side (across from where most of the league’s best defensive ends reside), was the man they chose. Round 2, Pick 22 (No. 54 overall): Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky Andy Benoit's grade: C+ Houston’s deficiencies in outside coverage were costly in the playoff loss to Indianapolis. Johnson is a long-bodied raw talent who will often be asked to play to safety help, which sounds liberating but can be challenging depending on the offensive design. If he doesn’t pick things up quickly, he’s still of value, since corners Bradley Roby and Johnathan Joseph are in contract years. Also, Aaron Colvin is under contract for three more years but can be cut for $6.75M savings after next season, which means Houston could lose all three starting corners next offseason. Round 2, Pick 23 (No. 55 overall): Max Scharping, T, Northern Illinois Andy Benoit's grade: B- From Houston’s side of things, the analysis for first-round pick Tytus Howard can essentially be applied here, with the additional note that the Texans now have an insurance policy at a position of dire need. Both men will make the roster (obviously), the question is how soon can both start? Round 3, Pick 22 (No. 86 overall): Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State Andy Benoit's grade: C- Warring is a freakish, high-upside, under-the-radar prospect for a Texans team that drafted two tight ends last year—Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas—and found distinct roles for both of them. With Ryan Griffin in a contract year, the team appears to be looking for insurance and long-term options. Round 5, Pick 23 (No. 161 overall): Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas Round 6, Pick 22 (No. 195 overall): Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan Round 7, Pick 6 (No. 220 overall): Cullen Gillaspia, FB, Texas A&M See every NFL team's 2019 picks by clicking the links below. Arizona Cardinals | Atlanta Falcons | Baltimore Ravens | Buffalo Bills | Carolina Panthers | Chicago Bears | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns | Dallas Cowboys | Denver Broncos | Detroit Lions | Green Bay Packers | Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts | Jacksonville Jaguars | Kansas City Chiefs | Los Angeles Chargers | Los Angeles Rams | Miami Dolphins | Minnesota Vikings | New England Patriots | New Orleans Saints | New York Giants | New York Jets | Oakland Raiders | Philadelphia Eagles | Pittsburgh Steelers | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tennessee Titans | Washington Redskins<doc-sep>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 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. GRADE: B- 86. Texans: Kahale Warring, TE San Diego State Analysis: We’re officially at the “project” portion of the draft. Kahale Warring is a phenomenal athlete who doesn’t really know how to play football. He has a high ceiling but an even lower floor. GRADE: C Read all our grades for the first round of the NFL Draft.<doc-sep>COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 27: Cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. #6 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates with teammates and fans after the Wildcats defeated the Missouri Tigers 15-14 to win the game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) LONNIE JOHNSON CB, Houston Texans B+ The Houston Texans had consecutive picks in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and the first of those two picks went to the secondary. After a bit of a wait since their first-round pick, the Houston Texans were back at it on Friday night by selecting Lonnie Johnson from Kentucky with the 54th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, adding to their secondary, which was much-needed. Houston drafted for a big need on their roster with the 54th overall pick, adding him to a draft class which already included offensive tackle Tytus Howard, the Texans’ first-round pick at 23rd overall. Drafting Johnson is big for the Texans because they needed to add to the secondary in the worst way because they’ve lost some veterans at the position after not re-signing them in free agency. The former Kentucky Wildcat cornerback stands at 6-2 and weighs in at 213 pounds, Johnson had a second-round projection by NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein, but he did write he expects Johnson to become a starter in the NFL. In reading about Johnson, he’s not the most polished cornerback in this draft, but many believe he has the athleticism to become a solid player in the league. The Texans have gained a player who in his last game of his collegiate career against Penn State totaled four tackles, and three of those were solo tackles. For his final collegiate season, Johnson totaled 23 tackles (17 solo) with one forced fumble and one interception, along with four passes defensed. In another big-time game, Johnson fared well against the Georgia Bulldogs as he had another four-tackle game (two solo). The depth chart for the Texans at cornerback also includes: Aaron Colvin, Johnathan Joseph, Johnson Bademosi, Jermaine Kelly and Deante Burton. This was a must-needed pick by the Texans and one they should be happy with drafting in the later stages of the second round. As always, time will tell with this draft choice, but improvement was made at cornerback, and that is all that can be asked for.<doc-sep>STEVEN CANNON/Associated Press STRENGTHS —His rare combination of size (6'6", 327 lbs) and athletic ability has scouts less worried about his level of competition after seeing him move in space. —High football IQ with the ability to catch on and learn multiple positions with no issues. —Has the base and drive power to be an immediate impact run-blocker at right tackle. —Can match speed rushers and mirror to force them around him. —A four-year starter who still has room to develop his technique with his best football ahead. WEAKNESSES —Plays unbalanced and gets caught leaning and opening an interior pass rush. —Struggles with late hands when he has to hand fight. —Slow to process stunts and twists. —Wide striker leaving his midsection open for rushers' hands. Video Play Button OBJ's Trade to Cleveland Has the Browns Hyped Le'Veon's Power Move Pays Off After Signing Massive Deal with Jets WR Metcalf Looks Ready to Destroy NFL Combine or Take Down Thanos Friends to Foes, Ex-UGA Teammates Meet in Super Bowl Cooks Gave a Super Gift to This Rams Employee Mahomes Loves Ketchup as Much as Torching Defenses Bears Hoping to Ride Club Dub to the Super Bowl The Worst Fantasy Football Punishments for Last Place NFL Players Bring Soccer Traditions to the NFL JuJu Is a Man of the People Bills Superfan 'Pancho Billa' Continues to Inspire Happy 26th Birthday to OBJ 🎉 Mahomes Is 'Showtime' Off the Field Too Thielen's Ride from Underdog to Record-Breaking WR Shanahan and His Son Carter Are Hyped for Carter V Browns Winning Off the Field with Community Service Conner's Journey from Beating Cancer to Starting RB Does Donovan McNabb Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote? B/R Fantasy Expert Matt Camp Gives His Picks for Keep or Release After Week 2 Does Hines Ward Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote? Right Arrow Icon OVERALL Max Scharping (selected No. 55 overall by the Texans) is a bit of a developmental project, but he could work his way into a lineup soon thanks to his length, size and athleticism. His pass pro technique does need attention, but he's good enough to get by while learning the ropes at right tackle. GRADE: 6.30 (ROUND 3 — FUTURE STARTER) PRO COMPARISON: Brian O'Neill<doc-sep>
Don Juan Moore/Getty Images STRENGTHS —Still shows the athletic ability and footwork of a tight end after moving from that position as a redshirt freshman. —Could have potential at guard and right tackle while developing into a left tackle in the NFL. He has already shown the ability to get to the second level and move linebackers. —Level-of-competition questions will come up, but Howard handled himself very well at the Senior Bowl and against Auburn. —Excellent mover who shows natural athleticism when asked to slide, mirror or pull in both run and pass blocking situations. —Feet never stop moving at the point of attack, which allows him to be an impactful drive blocker. —Pad level and body control are very good. WEAKNESSES —Limited playing time and experience playing tackle. Howard did not start playing tackle until his sophomore year of college. —A lack of upper-body strength shows up on his punch. A lack of lower-body strength shows up when he is asked to anchor. As a result, he is exposed by the bull rush. —You can tell he has added a lot of bulk very quickly. Needs to convert bulk to strength. —Hand use is developing but still needs a lot of work. Needs improvement on counters against chops. Video Play Button OBJ's Trade to Cleveland Has the Browns Hyped Le'Veon's Power Move Pays Off After Signing Massive Deal with Jets WR Metcalf Looks Ready to Destroy NFL Combine or Take Down Thanos Friends to Foes, Ex-UGA Teammates Meet in Super Bowl Cooks Gave a Super Gift to This Rams Employee Mahomes Loves Ketchup as Much as Torching Defenses Bears Hoping to Ride Club Dub to the Super Bowl The Worst Fantasy Football Punishments for Last Place NFL Players Bring Soccer Traditions to the NFL JuJu Is a Man of the People Bills Superfan 'Pancho Billa' Continues to Inspire Happy 26th Birthday to OBJ 🎉 Mahomes Is 'Showtime' Off the Field Too Thielen's Ride from Underdog to Record-Breaking WR Shanahan and His Son Carter Are Hyped for Carter V Browns Winning Off the Field with Community Service Conner's Journey from Beating Cancer to Starting RB Does Donovan McNabb Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote? B/R Fantasy Expert Matt Camp Gives His Picks for Keep or Release After Week 2 Does Hines Ward Deserve Your 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Vote? Right Arrow Icon OVERALL Howard might get the developmental label because he's coming from a small school, but he's closer to ready for the NFL than you might think. If drafted by a team that places a premium on the tackle moving upfield and battling more speed than power rushers, he could be an instant starter. His upside is perhaps the highest of any tackle in the class. GRADE: 6.80 (ROUND 2—ROOKIE STARTER) PRO COMPARISON: Terron Armstead