PFF rates 2022 Houston Texans first-round picks

Seems a little early to hand out rookie notes. But, there’s enough gameplay footage that the image begins to focus on how first-round picks across the league perform like professional players.

Pro Football Focus, among other things, rated/ranked rookies in a variety of stats.

PFF.com

3. HOUSTON TEXANS: CB DEREK STINGLEY JR. USL

Overall rookie rating: 49.0 (ranking: 24/35)

Main opponent: WR A.J. Brown

Snaps of week 9: 65

Stingley actually trailed AJ Brown for the Texans on Thursday night, putting him in the crosshairs against one of the best receivers in the game. There was a lot of soft zone from the Texans – and even when he played press on the line, it was often zone defense once play started – so we saw relatively little of a real battle. face to face. Stingley has been inconsistent this season, but his advantage is clear.

It’s not exactly fair to rate Stingley just yet, as his skill set seems ill-suited to Lovie Smith’s outdated defensive scheme. Or, more accurately, Smith’s scheme doesn’t scale to get the most out of Sting.

Sure, Sting might not generate some of the flashy highlights Sauce Gardner has collected so far, but if when Houston has a viable defensive coordinator (hopefully in 2023), the league better watch out.

With the 15th overall pick, the Texans took on offensive guard Kenyon Green. When first inserted into the line, Green was obviously an upgrade (insert random bench heater). However, gelling as a unit, growing in the role and building chemistry with tackle and cross takes time – especially when the cross is also a backup. Houston also didn’t hire the best offensive line coach in the entire country. However, the unit improves, as does Green.

15. HOUSTON TEXANS: O.G. KENYON GREEN, TEXAS A&M

Overall Rookie Rating: 45.0 (Rank: 8/11)

Main opponent: DI Javon Hargrave

Snaps of week 9: 54

It was another week of struggles for Green, who had his hands full on Thursday night against Javon Hargrave, among others. Green gave up three presses in total, one of which was a sack. He now has a pass blocking rating of 27.6 PFF on the season and has been a problem in pass protection.

PFF currently has the Texans offensive line ranked No. 21 — which, as bad as it sounds, is a marked improvement over the last season or two.

21. HOUSTON TEXANS (NO CHANGE)

Beginners scheduled for week 10:

LT Laremy Tunsil

LG Kenyan Green

VS Scott Quessenberry

GR AJ Cann

RT Tytus Howard

Houston’s interior was destroyed for the second straight week, this time by Philadelphia. Rookie Kenyon Green and center Scott Quessenberry combined to allow three sacks and eight pressures.

No offense generates fewer yards per rush before contact than the Texans (0.7).

Upcoming opponent: New York Giants

Giants are below average in passing strength and against the run, but defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has a career year and could destroy this interior for the third week in a row.

If they can land a quality starting center this offseason, the future could finally look bright for this unit.

2022 Houston Texans draft pick

Beyond the early rounds, safety Jalen Pitre (taken second, 57th overall) and running back Dameon Pierce (taken fourth, 107th overall) warn the league that they will indeed leave their mark on history of the NFL.

And, the jury is still out on linebacker Christian Harris, who many believe could well anchor the Texans’ new defense for the next decade.

Houston general manager Nick Caserio may not be the greatest general manager to ever come off the sideline, but he’s certainly getting a high mark for his first real draft at the helm of this franchise.

Bring in better coachesstrong free agents and another draft like this and the playoffs won’t be far behind.