2018 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Select Jordan Akins With 98th Overall Pick

The Texans already got Deshaun Watson some more protection earlier in this round, but they weren’t done surrounding their young quarterback with talent. With the 98th overall pick, Brian Gaine and Bill O’Brien have now selected Central Florida tight end Jordan Akins.

Akins is going to be a 26-year old rookie due to his pursuit of a minor league baseball career before he spent four years at UCF. As an undersized, 230-pound “move” tight end, Akins will likely be used as a chess piece all over the formation in the mold of Trey Burton or Evan Engram. Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Akins in his scouting report:

Akins has decent size, but flashes with his speed and ability to challenge man coverage down the field. Akins saw 43.7 percent of his catches go for 20-plus yards this season, but he also has the necessary talent with the ball in his hands to take a short throw and turn it into a first down. Akins is a move tight end with the ability to separate and create throwing windows, but he won’t offer much as a blocker. Akins has the talent to hear his name called on Day 3, but being a 26-year old rookie could hurt him somewhat.

How do you feel about Jordan Akins’ selection, BRB? Does his age worry you at all, or will his immediate value as a third down weapon make up for his (likely) shorter career length?