NFL Draft 2019: Houston Texans full NFL mock draft
By Joe Romano
Round 2 – Pick 55
Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
Houston is in a good spot with back-to-back picks in the middle of the second round. In a draft class that is as deep as this one, the team should come away with at least three starters. It also allows them to address their offensive line heavily at the top but still grab a helpful defensive piece.
Virginia’s Juan Thornhill made himself a lot of money at the NFL combine. He dominated every drill and showed that he is an elite athlete. An experienced player with three years of starting in the Virginia defense, he brings an intelligence to the secondary. Thornhill started as a corner before moving to safety. Those corner coverage skills show. Given his athleticism and coverage skills he can be an ideal third safety for Houston. He can double as a nickle corner and has flashed as a player that can contain tight ends or big slots on the inside.
The NFL is moving towards a league where you need matchup players, specifically at defensive back. Look at how the Chargers slowed down the Ravens rushing attack by throwing athletic safeties all over the field instead of linebackers. That is where the NFL is headed. Safeties that can be matchup players and provide help on all three downs are increasingly valuable.
Houston has a solid pair of safeties on the roster. Free agent signing Teshaun Gipson is an ideal box player and true strong safety. His running mate is Justin Reid who surprised in his first year after a mini slide on draft day. Reid is a long term answer while Gipson might be a player that sticks around for a year or two. Thornhill would be a welcomed addition to a revamped secondary.