Best Second-Round Draft Picks in Texans History

Where have the Houston Texans struck gold in the second round?

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in navy blue, red, and white hues, depicting overlapping planes and shapes that abstractly represent the action and movement of a football game or match.The Texans' history of finding impactful second-round draft picks is reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration, capturing the dynamic energy and multi-faceted nature of their standout players.Glendale Today

The Houston Texans have a brief draft history, but they've still managed to find some standout players in the second round over the years. This article takes a look at the top five second-round picks in Texans history, including linebacker Zach Cunningham, cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Jalen Pitre, linebacker Benardrick McKinney, and current head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Why it matters

The Texans' draft history is an important part of the team's foundation, and identifying their best second-round picks can provide insight into the team's scouting and player development abilities. These players have made significant contributions to the Texans over the years, and understanding their impact can help fans appreciate the team's history and trajectory.

The details

The article breaks down the top five second-round picks in Texans history, providing details on each player's performance, accolades, and impact on the team. Zach Cunningham was a consistent linebacker who led the NFL in tackles in 2020 before being released. Kamari Lassiter has emerged as one of the top young cornerbacks in the league, making the Pro Bowl in 2025. Jalen Pitre has become a versatile and hard-hitting nickelback since being drafted in 2022. Benardrick McKinney was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro linebacker for the Texans before being traded in 2021. And DeMeco Ryans, the current Texans head coach, was the team's best-ever second-round pick, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and making multiple Pro Bowls.

  • The Houston Texans will be entering their 25th draft in franchise history in 2026.
  • Zach Cunningham played for the Texans from 2017 to 2021 before being released.
  • Kamari Lassiter has played for the Texans for the past two seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 2025.
  • Jalen Pitre has been a starter in the Texans' secondary since being drafted in 2022.
  • Benardrick McKinney played for the Texans from 2015 to 2020 before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2021.

The players

Zach Cunningham

A consistent piece of the Texans' linebacker unit during their late 2010s era teams, ultimately playing four and a half seasons in Houston before being suddenly cut in 2021 for violating multiple team rules.

Kamari Lassiter

Has emerged as one of the top emerging boundary corners in the NFL, and someone already worthy of some credit as one of Houston's all-time second round pickups.

Jalen Pitre

Has become one of the best and most versatile nickelbacks in the NFL since being drafted by the Texans in 2022.

Benardrick McKinney

Was an extremely impactful inside linebacker for the Texans, making a Pro Bowl in 2018 and earning a second-team All-Pro selection in 2016.

DeMeco Ryans

The current head coach of the Texans, who was also the best second-round pick in franchise history, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and making multiple Pro Bowls as a linebacker.

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The takeaway

The Texans have found great value in the second round of the NFL Draft over the years, with players like Zach Cunningham, Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, Benardrick McKinney, and current head coach DeMeco Ryans all emerging as standout contributors. This history of success in the second round highlights the team's scouting and player development abilities, and provides hope for more impactful second-round picks in the future.