Texans LB Christian Harris to announce NFL draft pick from Detroit

Christian Harris is headed to Detroit.

Not to worry, Houston Texans fans. The third-year linebacker will be back in the office Saturday afternoon. 

Harris was selected by the league to announce both pick No. 42 and No. 59 in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft. Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, will announce Houston’s third-round selection at pick No. 86. 

Few players benefitted more from the coaching switch under new coach DeMeco Ryans than Harris. The former Alabama standout broke out opposite Blake Cashman in 2023, totaling a career-high 101 tackles for the AFC South champions. 

“Sky’s the limit for Christian,” Ryans said at the NFL scouting combine. “Christian is one of the fastest linebackers that I’ve had a chance to work with. Very explosive, instinctive player. I’m excited. I see last year was Christian’s rookie year. That was his first year and I’m excited to see him build off of what he did last year.”

The NFL will have former and active players announcing selections on Friday night for Rounds 2 and 3.

Here’s the full list: pic.twitter.com/BGkAONd76R

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 25, 2024

Harris not only improved with his form-fitting tackle, but he became a promising blitzer, totaling two sacks and 11 QB hits. He picked off Joe Flacco for a 36-yard touchdown in the wild-card round victory over the Cleveland Browns. 

“Whether it’s sacks, getting after the quarterback, or attacking the ball when he’s in coverage, but also the way he’s tackling, the physical nature of his tackling, it’s grown, and he’s done a really great job of making impact plays for us,” said Ryans. “I’m very proud of Christian to see his growth throughout the entire year, see him develop into a quality starting linebacker making plays for us.”

While Harris could introduce two of his future teammates in the Motor City, it would be fitting for him to announce a pick that general manager Nick Caserio trades up for. In 2022, the Texans moved up in the third round to select Harris after a breakout season with the Crimson Tide. 

Caserio has been known to wheel and deal picks like a hot hand on a blackjack table, so perhaps Harris will be staying busy during the second round come Friday evening.