Houston Texans 2021 NFL Draft Simulator

Welcome to the Houston Texans 2021 NFL Draft Simulator!

This quick interactive article is a mildly abridged version of my previously made Houston Texans Offseason Simulator, which allows you to go through the entire 2021 Houston Texans offseason making your own decisions. Since the only major part of the offseason left now is the draft, it’d be interesting to see how the Texans community fares when offered a chance to call the shots with the Texans’...bevy...of draft picks they have accumulated this year.

I was expecting this abridged version of the Offseason Simulator to be far more interesting since I expected Deshaun Watson to be traded at this point. But, as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, it slowly became clear that Houston was not going to make the extremely obvious move of moving him for draft capital (that is, if any teams were willing to negotiate after he was accused of sexual assault by 22 women).

So, here we are. After this rollercoaster through a hellscape of an offseason, all we have to show for it is a third round pick, a fourth round pick, two fifths, three sixths, and a seventh rounder. The malaise is here.

Regardless, there are still plenty of interesting players I found deep into this draft, several of which can prove instrumental in sculpting a winning team in 2022 or 2023. Welcome to the Houston Texans 2021 NFL Draft Simulator, where you can draft the players that you think are best for the team. Good luck!

Make sure to remember which players you draft so you can comment your new Texans draftees in the comment section below!

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Welcome to the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft! We are entering this round with just one pick. Later in the draft, we hold one fourth round pick, two fifth round picks, three sixth round picks, and a seventh round pick. With our third round pick, we’ll have the opportunity to draft quarterbacks Jamie Newman, Kellen Mond, or Sam Ehlinger. This is our only chance to draft these players since they’ll all be gone after the third round. Of course, we can always skip drafting a quarterback and just take the best available player, take the best available defensive player, or take the best available offensive player. What would you like to do?

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Jamie Newman is a very raw prospect that has a limited collegiate career, but he’s big, athletic, and can make all kind of throws. I wouldn’t put any stock into him becoming a great NFL quarterback, but a couple years to develop might yield interesting results. Next up the fourth round, #109 overall. What would you like to do?

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Kellen Mond has actually attracted some praise from several scouts, and some believe he’s even better than Kyle Trask or Mac Jones. He showed notable improvement in 2020 to the point where his pocket presence and accuracy nearly matched those of Kyle Trask, along with a better arm. He’s isn’t a freak athlete, but 2020 showed Mond can keep getting better. Next up the fourth round, #109 overall. What would you like to do?

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Sam Ehlinger has his fans, no doubt. He’s accurate, athletic, makes good decisions both in and out of the pocket, and has an okay arm. His problems are his consistency, size and durability. If he was more consistent and significantly more athletic, he’d have been this year’s Kyler Murray. Regardless, he’s won a lot in his career and reminds me of former Penn State turned Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley. I still believe McSorley has the potential to be an solid NFL quarterback and would have been drafted as such if it had not been for a final collegiate season derailed by injury and poor offensive coaching. Maybe Ehlinger is similar in that regard as well. Next up is the fourth round, #109 overall. What would like to do?

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At this point in the draft, I think the best available player is UCLA WR/RB Demetric Felton. Felton was effective lining up on the outside and in the backfield, a perfect weapon in the slot and on third down. He’s elusive and fast, and can absorb a lot of attention depending on where he lines up and his route. Brett Kollman even talked up Felton one of his recent videos:

Next up is the fourth round, #109 overall. What would you like to do?

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At this point in the draft, I think the best available offensive player is also the best player available. UCLA WR/RB Demetric Felton. Felton was effective lining up on the outside and in the backfield, a perfect weapon in the slot and on third down. He’s elusive and fast, and can absorb a lot of attention depending on where he lines up and his route. Next up is the fourth round, #109 overall. What would you like to do?

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In the third round, a nice pick would be Kentucky linebacker Jamin Davis. Brett Kollman just featured Davis in one his recent videos as a value pick, and he’d absolutely be a nice pickup for our defense. Davis has all of the tools needed to be a great NFL linebacker, and he could turn into a star given time to develop.

Next up is the fourth round, #109 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #109 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: G Jackson Carman, Clemson

Carman was the starting left tackle for the Clemson Tigers in 2019 and 2020, where he earned third and second-team ACC honors in each years, respectively. He was a solid tackle for the Tigers, but will be much better off as a guard in the NFL. With his size and blocking ability, he should be a starting guard for the Texans.

Next up is our first selection in the fifth round, at #147 overall. What would you like to do?

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The best available offensive players is also the overall best player currently available.

With the #109 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: G Jackson Carman, Clemson

Carman was the starting left tackle for the Clemson Tigers in 2019 and 2020, where he earned third and second-team ACC honors in each years, respectively. He was a solid tackle for the Tigers, but will be much better off as a guard in the NFL. With his size and blocking ability, he should be a starting guard for the Texans.

Next up is our first selection in the fifth round, at #147 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #109 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami

Roche has been gaining popularity during the offseason for his explosiveness and instinct, making him a fourth round steal. He has the production of many prospects that will taken on day one, but his inconsistency and lack of comparative athleticism will see him drop. Regardless, he already proven how good of a pass rusher he can be, and would quickly make an impact in the Texans’ new 4-3 scheme.

0ur next pick is in the fifth round, #147 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #147 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: WR Trevon Grimes, Florida.

Grimes has great size, speed, athleticism, and catching ability. He’s everything NFL teams look for in a receiving prospect, the only reason he drops this far down is a lack of consistency. But, with the Gators offense much more high powered in 2020, Grimes showed out far more frequently. If he falls this far into the draft, he can’t be passed up.

Next up is the #158 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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The best available offensive player is also the best available is also the overall best player available.

With the #147 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: WR Trevon Grimes, Florida.

Grimes has great size, speed, athleticism, and catching ability. He’s everything NFL teams look for in a receiving prospect, the only reason he drops this far down is a lack of consistency. But, with the Gators offense much more high powered in 2020, Grimes showed out far more frequently. If he falls this far into the draft, he can’t be passed up.

Next up is the #158 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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With the #147 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: S Damar Hamlin, PITT

Hamlin was a solid player all around for a PITT defense loaded with talent, so he should adapt to the NFL quickly and continue to develop. He has excellent tackling and coverage skills, but is held back by his size. However, if his performance in college translates to the NFL, he’s a starting safety.

Next is the #158 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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With the #158 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: OLB JaCoby Stevens, LSU

Stevens is a fantastic prospect. Size, strength, tackling ability, and unreal instincts. The only `thing he lacks is speed, a deathblow to his draft grade. Because of his very low 40 time means he likely not be able to play safety at the next level, but his size and skills besides that means he could be an excellent Will linebacker for our new 4-3 defense.

Now, we’re onto the the sixth round at #195 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #158 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: OT Stone Forsythe, Florida

Forsythe was a left tackle for Florida for the 2019 and 2020 season, and played fairly well. He gigantic size and frame makes him a good prospect for the NFL, but is more likely to have success at guard than tackle.

Next up is the sixth round, our first selection being #195 overall. What would you like to do?

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The best defensive player available is also the best overall player available.

With the #158 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: OLB JaCoby Stevens, LSU

Stevens is a fantastic prospect. Size, strength, tackling ability, and unreal instincts. The only thing he lacks is speed, a deathblow to his draft grade. Because of his very low 40 time means he likely not be able to play safety at the next level, but his size and skills besides that means he could be an excellent Will linebacker for our new 4-3 defense.

Now, we’re onto the the sixth round at #195 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #195 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: DE Shaka Toney, Penn State

Toney is a big, athletic, and very productive edge rusher. He was a frequently causing disruption in the backfield in nearly every game during his collegiate career, but many scouts are nervous that his size won’t translate to the NFL. While he may have some trouble in his first season or two, Toney has tremendous upside if he gets stronger.

Next is the #203 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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With the #195 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: WR Frank Darby, ASU

Darby is a big target with speed to take the top off a defense. He was frequently used as a red zone target at ASU while also succeeding on post routes. He can quickly find a spot in our offense as another speedster or red-zone threat, but his ball tracking skills leave much to be desired. In time, Darby may become a quality receiver if he puts all of it together on a more consistent basis.

Next is the #203 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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The best available defensive player is also the best overall player available.

With the #195 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: DE Shaka Toney, Penn State

Toney is a big, athletic, and very productive edge rusher. He was a frequently causing disruption in the backfield in nearly every game during his collegiate career, but many scouts are nervous that his size won’t translate to the NFL. While he may have some trouble in his first season or two, Toney has tremendous upside if he gets stronger.

Next is the #203 overall pick. What would you like to do?

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With the #203 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: RB Chuba Hubbard, OKST.

Chuba Hubbard is a fantastic running back with the strength, speed, and elusiveness to be a starting caliber running back in the NFL. His popularity fell off a bit in his 2020 collegiate season (to the point that his draft stock has plummeted), but I still remember what he did to defenses in 2019. He’s this year’s Jonathan Taylor, and can be the #1 back for David Culley’s offensive system.

Our next pick is #212 overall. What would you like to do?

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The best available offensive player is also the best overall player available.

With the #203 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: RB Chuba Hubbard, OKST.

Chuba Hubbard is a fantastic running back with the strength, speed, and elusiveness to be a starting caliber running back in the NFL. His popularity fell off a bit in his 2020 collegiate season (to the point that his draft stock has plummeted), but I still remember what he did to defenses in 2019. He’s this year’s Jonathan Taylor, and can be the #1 back for David Culley’s offensive system.

Our next pick is #212 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #203 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: DT Khyiris Tonga, BYU.

Khyiris Tonga is a big body run blocker that was extremely productive in his career at BYU. He was often one of the most important players on their defense, and has the size to succeed at the next level.

Next is pick #212 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #212 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: WR Tre Nixon, UCF.

Tre Nixon was supposed to be the #1 receiver for the high-scoring UCF offense in 2020, but an injury in their first game prevented him from doing so. Regardless, he showed plenty of promise in 2019, and is certainly a player with a high ceiling.

And just like that, we’re down to our last selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, #233 overall. What would you like to do?

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The best available offensive player is also the best overall player available.

With the #212 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: WR Tre Nixon, UCF.

Tre Nixon was supposed to be the #1 receiver for the high-scoring UCF offense in 2020, but an injury in their first game prevented him from doing so. Regardless, he showed plenty of promise in 2019, and is certainly a player with a high ceiling.

And just like that, we’re down to our last selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, #233 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #212 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: CB Antonio Phillips, Ball State.

Antonio Phillips quickly established himself as a corner to keep your eye on while earning a starting spot at Ball State a few years ago. In 2019 and 2020, he continued to rack up pass breakups, interceptions, and more. At this point, you don’t expect to find any day one starters, but prospects that show off solid instincts like Phillips are always worth taking a shot at.

And just like that, we’re down to our last selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, #233 overall. What would you like to do?

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With the #233 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: S Paris Ford, PITT

Paris Ford was one of the most productive players on a very strong PITT defense in both 2019 and 2020. He made plays all over the field, has exceptional ball tracking skills and awareness, and has a knack for coming down with the ball in key situations. The only reason he falls this far in the draft is due to a lack of strength and athleticism, both things I trust him to improve upon once he enters the NFL. Paris Ford is a few extra pounds away from being a seventh round steal for the Texans.

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With the #233 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: C Drake Jackson, Kentucky.

Drake Jackson doesn’t necessarily have the prototypical size of an NFL center, but three solid years as a starting center for Kentucky is pretty impressive for a seventh rounder. He’s got the hans and stance to take on almost anyone in front him, and the tape shows him winning those battles often enough to keep Kentucky’s quarterback clean more times than not. He may not be a big contributor soon, but Jackson has plenty of upside.

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The best available defensive player is also the best overall player available.

With the #233 overall pick, the Houston Texans select: S Paris Ford, PITT

Paris Ford was one of the most productive players on a very strong PITT defense in both 2019 and 2020. He made plays all over the field, has exceptional ball tracking skills and awareness, and has a knack for coming down with the ball in key situations. The only reason he falls this far in the draft is due to a lack of strength and athleticism, both things I trust him to improve upon once he enters the NFL. Paris Ford is a few extra pounds away from being a seventh round steal for the Texans.

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Congratulations! You made it through the 2021 NFL Draft.

How did you do? Did you add some depth to that awful defense we had last year? Did you amass more weapons for David Culley to utilize in his weapons grade offensive scheme? Or did you get a mixture of both sides of the ball? Let us know how you did in the comments!

Follow me on Twitter: @FizzyJoe