Projecting every 2022 draft pick before Carolina Panthers are on the clock

Kayvon Thibodeaux – DE/OLB (Oregon)

The Houston Texans have the shadow of Deshaun Watson’s situation lingering over them. His trade request still stands and there is also the small matter of his serious legal issues to consider before any move away from the franchise comes to fruition – a situation that the Carolina Panthers are sure to monitor closely throughout.

Rookie signal-caller Davis Mills did show promise in difficult circumstances in 2021. This could see the player given another chance to shine next time around, but with a new head coach coming into the fold sooner rather than later, it could also come with a complete change in direction.

Getting after the quarterback proved to be a challenge for Houston last season. They averaged just 1.9 sacks per game and someone like Kayvon Thibodeaux could change all that in an instant.

Thibodeaux is arguably the most explosive prospect in this class and has the production to match. The Oregon product gained seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2021, with the prospect being almost unplayable at times during his dominant run for the Ducks.

Much like the situation with Michigan’s edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, a strong evaluation process could see Thibodeaux become the No. 1 overall selection given his skill set. If he did make it down to the Texans, then it’s a slam dunk for them and an extremely safe call to make.

Houston has many holes. But this is one of the best players in the draft and one that could help them during a significant period of transition.