Mel Kiper released his first edition of his first round mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has the Texans going defense with their draft pick. With the 23rd overall pick, which the Texans acquired from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade, he has Houston selecting Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton.
With DT Sheldon Rankins set to hit free agency, the Texans could get younger at the position with a guy that had 16.5 sacks in three seasons as an interior pass-rusher. Kiper said Newton also had three of his sacks lined up as a nose tackle, so he possesses versatility.
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