2024 Texans mock draft roundup: Houston targets defense in Round 2

The 2024 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and teams are finalizing their big boards before on the clock.

The Houston Texans are at an impasse Thursday night in Detriot. Instead of owning the No. 23 pick, they shipped it off to the Minnesota Vikings for two second-round picks and a sixth-round pick. One of those picks — a 2025 second-round selection — eventually became Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs.

Consider Diggs, who will be playing for a new contract, as Houston’s ‘franchise cornerstone’ come Day 1. What about Day 2? Where could general manager Nick Caserio turn to with two picks in the second round? Is there a consensus pair of positions the Texans must target?

Cornerback, defensive tackle and linebacker depth remain needs. Houston could benefit from bolstering its offensive line depth, but that might come in Rounds 3-5 rather than at picks No. 42 and No. 59. And one can never have too many receivers entering camp, but with Diggs now in the mix, do pass-catcher become a Day 3 option only?

Texans Wire rounded up the latest 2024 mock drafts, where most experts believe Houston is targeting defense first. The pecking order of the positions varies, but most mocks believe the Texans will land a pass-rushing defensive tackle and long-term No. 2 cornerback opposite Derek Stingely Jr.