Houston Texans go back to SEC for linebacker, running back

TEXANS DRAFT NEWS

The Texans didn't have to wait long to make their fourth round pick on Saturday morning. They had the second overall pick of the 4th round and selected Florida running back, Dameon Pierce. You can watch his highlights above.

Here's an overview of Pierce from our draft expert Lance Zierlein, via NFL.com. Lance projected Harris to be a 3rd/4th round selection and compared him to Isaiah Crowell.

It's a fun afternoon of tape study watching Pierce play the game like a coiled spring ready to explode on each snap. He's an urgent runner with twitchy downfield burst, tackle-breaking leg drive and outstanding balance through contact. He reads and reacts to block development quickly and creates additional yardage with both power and subtle shiftiness. Pierce was highly productive (16 total touchdowns) in 2021 despite an embarrassingly low usage rate by the coaching staff. He has plenty of tread left on the tires and fits into any run-blocking scheme as a quality future starter or member of a RB tandem.

For more info on Pierce, check out his full draft profile on NFL.com.


If you missed what the Texans did in the 3rd round on Friday night, let us catch you up. The Houston Texans selected Alabama linebacker Christian Harris.

Here are some of his highlights.

Here's an overview of Harris from our draft expert Lance Zierlein, via NFL.com. Lance projected Harris to be a 2nd round selection and compared him to De'Vondre Campbell.

Long, athletic inside linebacker whose strengths and weaknesses could make him a target for a move outside. Harris' lack of desired recognition will result in missteps and mistakes that could prove much more costly on the NFL level. However, he could thrive as a chase-and-hit, weakside linebacker, where he can play faster. He can handle some coverage chores but it's not his strong suit. Harris has the physical attributes and athletic ability to make plays as an eventual starter but he might lack three-down versatility.

For more info on Harris, check out his full draft profile on NFL.com.

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Rockets secure the future with major deals. Composite Getty Image.

Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun both agreed to contract extensions with the Houston Rockets, a person with knowledge of the details said Monday.

Green, agreed to a three-year, $106 million extension. Sengun, agreed to five-year, $185 million extension.

Did GM Rafael Stone negotiate good deals from a team perspective?

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank react to the news, and examine if the Rockets made the right call in locking up their young talent.

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