Welcome to the NFL Draft, Houston Texans.
The team, which did not have selections in the first or second rounds had three picks in Friday night’s third round.
The Texans selected Stanford Safety Justin Reid with their first pick at number 68. He’s the brother of former LSU All-American and NFL Pro Bowler Eric Reid. Analysts say he has the size and speed to compete with the bigger receivers in the modern era, and may be a Pro Bowler in the future like his brother.
The team also selected Mississippi State offensive lineman Martinas Rankin at number 80. The 6’4”, 308-pounder had a successful career with the Bulldogs after being named the nation’s top Junior College prospect at offensive tackle. He was also a first team All-SEC pick in 2017.
With their third pick in the round, the Texans selected Central Florida tight end Jordan Akins (98). The 25-year old returned to football after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2010, and playing professional baseball for four years.
The team gave up their first and second round picks in a series of transactions last year. Cleveland acquired their second-round selection in the deal that sent quarterback Brock Osweiler out of town. The Browns also got the team’s first round pick, as part of last year’s trade that allowed the Texans to move up in the draft and select future star Deshaun Watson.
The Texans have five more picks on today’s final day; one in the fourth round, three in the sixth, and one in the seventh round.