NFL Scouting Departments Rate Texans Draft

NFL Scouting Departments Rate Texans Draft

Draft grades are a fascinating part of the NFL's post-draft process. They are given as definitive pass-fail verdicts, yet they are published before players have completed their first NFL season.

The Houston Texans are seeing largely positive reviews despite a slight reach in the first round for Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge according to some who cover the draft. Houston made up for it with its next pick adding a steal in defensive tackle Kayden McDonald to add a plus player with the team's second pick.

ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reached out to members of various NFL organizations about different teams' draft hauls. Here's what some had to say about the players that the Texans added and Houston's overall draft class.

"Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge was considered a sleeper first-rounder, but Houston was always his ace in the hole. The Texans identified him as a favorite during the process. Assistant general manager James Liipfert was a former Georgia Tech player with deep ties to the school, and Texans offensive line coach Cole Popovich did a private workout with Rutledge in the days leading up to the draft. One NFC executive called Rutledge the OG1 of the draft -- yes, ahead of Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane.

GM Nick Caserio, one of the league's most avid traders, worked on multiple scenarios to get Kayden McDonald at No. 36. He was prepared to trade to No. 33 to get him, and on the draft's first night, he explored a late first-round trade-in after picking 28th."