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Michigan State Football: 5 best landing spots for Kenneth Walker III in NFL draft

By Emmett Matasovsky

Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III avoids a tackle by Michigan's R.J. Moten during his touchdown run during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III avoids a tackle by Michigan's R.J. Moten during his touchdown run during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. /
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Dec 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Royce Freeman (26) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Forrest Merrill (91) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Royce Freeman (26) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Forrest Merrill (91) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Houston Texans

Division: AFC South
Running back room: Marlon Mack (26), Rex Burkhead (31), Royce Freeman (26), Darius Anderson (24), Dare Ogunbowale (27), Scottie Phillips (24)

It’s no big secret that the Texans have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. After mismanagement by Bill O’Brien dismantled a team that had the potential to be a powerhouse, the Texans are entering year two of their rebuild.

Last draft, Davis Mills showed promise at quarterback, but the running back room was a disappointment, to say the least. The Texans brought in Marlon Mack to add to the room, but besides him, there is not much of an excitement factor out of this room. If Kenneth Walker III winds up here, there is a star potential, and he and Mack would make an excellent pairing in the backfield, in my opinion.

Mack was great in Indianapolis but has missed 28 of a possible 35 games over the last two seasons due to injury. If Mack goes down, the Texans’ season might be over before it could get going. The names Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman, and Dare Ogunbowale do not exactly strike fear into the rest of the AFC South.

Houston picks at Nos. 3, 13, and 37 this year, and I would not be surprised to see Walker off the board at 37 if he falls that far. Houston also could trade down to a team desperate for a quarterback at Nos. 3 or 13, which might net them a late first-round pick to secure Walker with.

As mentioned before, a great running back takes the pressure off the quarterback, as seen with Tennessee this year. My one concern for Walker would be that the Texans’ coaching search took them to Lovie Smith, who is not, in my opinion, a quality NFL coach. Maybe Smith can turn that opinion down with a stout defense and strong rushing attack this year, with Walker leading the fray.

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