Houston Texans mock draft: Will they really pass on a QB at no. 2?

Keidron Smith, CB, Kentucky

The Houston Texans shore up their defense in the 2023 NFL Draft, by dipping into the Kentucky draft pool one more time with Keidron Smith.

One of Smith’s most notable attributes is his versatility. He is comfortable playing in both press and off-man coverages, making him a valuable asset to any defensive system. Smith’s size and arm length also allows him to battle effectively at the catch point, which could prove crucial in high-pressure situations.

Smith’s experience playing in the SEC has also helped him develop his vision and processing skills, enabling him to read the receiver’s route patterns and the quarterback’s eyes simultaneously. This, in turn, allows him to make a jump on the football and disrupt the play before it has a chance to develop.

Despite his impressive skill set, there are areas where Smith could improve. For instance, he may struggle to stay in phase against explosive deep-threat receivers. His lack of transitional hip stiffness can create labored movements when he needs to change directions quickly, which could make him vulnerable to quick-twitch-moving wide receivers.

That said, Smith’s size and build make him an ideal outside cornerback for an NFL team. He can match up well in man coverage against bigger-bodied, possession-style receivers, and even tight ends. His strengths make him an excellent running mate for Devin Stingley, and he could play a pivotal role in a defense coached by DeMeco Ryans.