Which player could be the steal of the Houston Texans draft?

The Houston Texans had a quiet draft, with a few megastar rookies with big aspirations but plenty of guys who will get the chance to play a lot of snaps this season. Expectations on this class are much calmer than last year, when the Texans acquired CJ Stroud and Will Anderson, the anchors of the new-look Texans.

This year, the team first took Kamari Lassiter, a cornerback from Georgia, and then Blake Fisher, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, at second. Neither player is expected to start, but both could become regulars in the lineup if the veterans ahead of them fumble the ball, so to speak.

As I mentioned, different expectations this year. That doesn’t mean there won’t be stars from this class, though. There is no magic orb with which I can see the future, any of these guys could become All-Pros at the end of their rookie contract. Who can say otherwise?

Every year there’s someone who breaks out, at least almost every year. Usually, these are the guys who are at the top of the class. Those that do it from the back end are often called “draft steals.” Essentially someone who gets relegated further down in the draft and significantly exceeds his expectations.

The guys I consider to be draft steals are mostly third-rounders and up. Earlier in the draft, it’s fair to say they were expected to produce.

So, who do I think can be the Houston Texans’ star player in 2024? That’s a good question, Tank Dell was that guy in 2023, but you can’t always follow trends. You can’t assume another wide receiver or third-rounder will be this guy in 2024, just because it was that way the year before.

This year I think Jamal Hill could be that guy. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to prove he can play in this league, as the team is still looking to replace Blake Cashman and the linebacker corps is pretty shallow.

Hill will get his chance and with his speed, he might be the guy who hits the charts the most.