My Draft Crushes for the 2024 NFL Draft
These are the players that have caught my eye the most in the draft process
The draft is one of my favorite parts of the NFL. It allows me to meld my love for college football and the NFL. I spend plenty of Saturdays watching as much college ball as I can. I vote for the Heisman Trophy. Then on Sundays, the shield takes over.
This has been a fun offseason when it comes to the draft. I was lucky enough to attend the Senior Bowl for the first time and the NFL Scouting Combine for the second time. I am the only media member who covers the Texans to attend both. Thank you for being so supportive which allowed me that distinction.
These are the players who are my draft crushes this year.
Toledo Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
Mitchell was a monster at the Senior Bowl. I felt like he had the best week of any player during the workouts. He is a throwback corner that simply locks down the opposing receivers, goes back to the huddle, and does it again. And again. And again. Sure, he played at a lower level but he dominated. He didn’t leave Toledo when SEC schools offered him six figures. I admire the commitment to school and teammates.
Can the Texans Draft Him: No. He will be long gone before the Texans get on the clock. I believe he will be the second cornerback off the board. My fear is he will end up with the Colts or the Jaguars which will restrict my ability to cheer for him.
Oregon WR Troy Franklin
Franklin is a speed merchant. I say it that way because he deals in all levels of speed. He is fast but also quick. He accelerates with ease and changes gears like an expensive sports car. Franklin will leave defenders in the dust. I can’t get over NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah saying when he watched cornerbacks that Franklin forced some of the worst reps he saw from those players. He’s slender and thin, which might hurt him, but he’s useful immediately.
Can the Texans Draft Him: Yes! And they should consider it. He would add a true deep-threat element with his speed and grow into some of the NFL physicality.
Utah Safety Cole Bishop
Bishop can affect the game in every way. He will thump guys in run support. He will make receivers pay over the middle. He will make plays down the field. Bishop said he excels at playing against tight ends and he feels confident in his ability to help teams with coverage against the big pass catchers.
Can the Texans Draft Him: Yes. He would help with safety depth and be a menace on special teams with his athleticism.
Michigan WR Roman Wilson
Wilson was the other Senior Bowl star with Mitchell. He was the best offensive player there that week easily showcasing his speed and route-running ability. He’s speedy and can run all the routes you need him to run to be successful at his size. I worry about his ability to play all over the field, but stick him in the slot and let him win and move the chains for you.
Can the Texans Draft Him: Yes. He should be available in the second round when the Texans are on the clock, but not much longer. It wouldn’t surprise me if he came off the board just before them.