Texans draft Christian Harris in 3rd round after trade with Broncos

The Houston Texans selected Alabama linebacker Christian Harris in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 75 overall.

Houston acquired the 75th overall pick via trade, sending selections No. 80 and No. 162 to the Denver Broncos.

Harris, a three-year starter at Alabama, is coming off a career season with the Crimson Tide; he posted 80 tackles (11.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 15 games in 2021.

The 21-year-old is the third defender drafted by the Texans this year after first-round corner Derek Stingley Jr. and second-round safety Jalen Pitre.

Scouting profile: Christian Harris

You can improve technique and play recognition through repetition. What you can't teach are athleticism and raw talent. And Harris has a lot of that. Another sideline-to-sideline player, Harris has the range to make plays laterally, and he's got tremendous burst to blast through gaps. He doesn't fare as well in coverage as one would think, though he has the capabilities to eventually improve. Where Harris really struggles is his processing, as he can be a step behind at times. He's also undersized, but that's less of a concern if Harris translates to a weak-side backer in the NFL. It's no slight feat to be a frequent starter in a Nick Saban-led defense. Though rough around the edges, Harris could be a force with some polish.