Draft Wire mocks S Kyle Hamilton, WR Drake London at Texans
The Deshaun Watson case is finally over. The three-time Pro Bowler will continue his professional football career in a new city by taking over from Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
Houston Texans earned three first-round picks as part of the overall trade program which includes a total of five draft picks.
With the Texans ranking No. 3 and No. 13 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it changes the complexion of how the first round will play out in Las Vegas on April 28.
According to Draft Wire’s Luke Easterlingwho released his latest mock draft after the Watson trade, the Texans will use their exclusive pick to take Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton No. 3 overall.
Houston then uses its No. 13 overall pick — thanks to the Browns’ trade for Watson — to nab USC wide receiver Drake London.
The first-round twins would allow the Texans to mend their backs and also provide second-year quarterback Davis Mills with another weapon to complement Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins. The Texans haven’t had multiple first-round picks since 2004 when they took cornerback Dunta Robinson at No. 10 overall and defensive end Jason Babin at No. 27 overall.
The Jacksonville Jaguars take on Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for first overall. The Detroit Lions correct their leading defense with the selection of Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 2 overall.
The New York Jets take on North Carolina State tackle Ikem Ekwonu right after Houston selects Hamilton. The New York Giants also go with a tackle as they select Alabama’s Evan Neal at No. 5 overall.
The first quarterback on the board is Liberty’s Malik Willis, 6th overall for the Carolina Panthers. The next quarterback in the roster is Pitt’s Kenny Pickett at No. 18 overall for the New Orleans Saints.
Among the picks made after Houston selected London are Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (#14 overall), Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd (#15 overall), Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie (#16 overall) and Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green (#17 overall).