Houston Texans Prioritize Tape Over Testing in Latest Draft Class
While many NFL teams place immense value on combine and pro day statistics, the Houston Texans are known for their alternative approach. Instead of hunting for standout athletic metrics, the Texans focus on game tape, player character, and overall impact potential. This unique strategy has garnered mixed reactions, particularly after they drafted cornerback Kamari Lassiter, whose 4.61 40-yard dash time sparked controversy. Despite the speed concerns, Lassiter has since proven himself as one of the league’s top No. 2 cornerbacks, complementing All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. effectively.
Drafting for Character Over Athleticism
In the most recent draft, the Texans opted for a balanced roster rather than solely chasing high-profile athletic prospects. While they didn’t focus on players with exceptionally high Relative Athletic Scores (RAS), several of their selections showcased notable pre-draft testing results.
Among the top performers were Jayden Higgins, Aireontae Ersery, and Jaylin Noel, who are undeniably the best athletes in this year’s draft class. Yet, even some players with lower testing figures are positioned to make significant contributions early in their careers.
Key Draft Picks and Their RAS Scores
To understand the overall athleticism of this year’s draft class, it’s essential to pay attention to the RAS scores of the selected players:
Round 2, Pick 34 (Via NYG): Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Higgins had an impressive final season at Iowa State, registering over 1,000 receiving yards. His RAS score of 9.63 ranks him 143rd among 3,816 wide receivers from 1987 to 2025.
Round 2, Pick 48 (From LV): Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Ersery performed admirably in both his 5.1 40-yard dash and during his extensive pass-blocking snaps, allowing only five sacks in over 1,300 attempts. His unofficial RAS score of 9.89 places him 16th among 1,379 offensive tackles.
Round 3, Pick 79 (From MIA): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Noel’s standout performance featured over 1,100 receiving yards and an impressive 4.39 40-time at the combine. His RAS score of 9.75 ranks him 96th among 3,815 wide receivers.
Round 3, Pick 97 (From MIN): Jaylin Smith, DB, USC
As a versatile defensive back at USC, Smith’s score of 4.82 ranks him 1,432nd out of 2,761 corners, indicating that the Texans are willing to take risks on players who may not stand out in testing.
Round 4, Pick 116 (From MIA): Woody Marks, RB, USC
Marks demonstrated offensive prowess with over 1,400 yards in his final season, but his RAS score of 6.66 ranks him 704th among 2,106 running backs.
Rounding Out the Class
The Texans also selected:
- Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State: A reliable starter, scored a 9.08 RAS.
- Graham Mertz, QB, Florida: Did not qualify for a RAS due to an ACL injury.
- Kyonte Hamilton, DL, Rutgers: Scored a 9.29 RAS.
Overall RAS Score Improvement
After finishing last in the RAS rankings in 2024, the Texans have made a significant leap to 13th overall this year. This remarkable improvement is attributed to five players achieving a RAS score of 9.1 or higher. The team’s average RAS across the eight qualifying players stands at 8.260, indicating a focus on talent that can contribute quickly.
Undrafted Players of Note
In addition to their draft picks, the Texans have also signed several undrafted players who could make an impact:
- Eli Cox, OL, Kentucky
- K.C. Ossai, LB, Louisiana
- Austin Brinkman, LS, West Virginia
- Alijah Huzzie, DB, North Carolina
These additions further bolster Houston’s roster, allowing for depth and competition as they head into the new season.
Conclusion: A Forward-Thinking Strategy
As the Texans move forward, their strategy of prioritizing game tape and player character over traditional athletic metrics will be under close scrutiny. While fans may have mixed feelings about this approach, the initial success of past selections like Kamari Lassiter provides hope. The 2025 draft class is set to bring fresh talent to Houston, and it will be exciting to see how these athletes translate their potential into on-field performance.
For more Houston Texans insights, please check out our previous articles on player evaluations and draft strategies, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
