Texans Draft: Eyeing Michigan WR Daylen Baldwin

HOUSTON — The College of Michigan might dominate the 2022 NFL Draft. This system has a projected 11 prospects who might be chosen, headlined by star defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker David Ojabo. 

However as Hutchinson and Ojabo proceed to obtain many of the consideration, one in all Michigan’s most alluring prospects is wideout Daylen Baldwin.

Baldwin’s inventory started to rise after a profitable outing on the Tropical Bowl in January. A number of groups have proven an curiosity in Baldwin all through the draft course of, together with the Houston Texans. 

A supply instructed Texans Day by day that Houston cherished Baldwin on the Tropical Bowl and that he matches the mildew of what they’re on the lookout for in a receiver. Baldwin averaged 15.1 yards per catch in 14 video games at Michigan. 

“For me, it was about being locked in and understanding that all the pieces right here on out is an evaluation,” Baldwin mentioned on the most recent episode of Locked On Texans. “I had to verify I put my finest foot ahead and provides it my all. I’m completely happy about my efficiency whereas I used to be down there and began to realize loads of consideration.”

Baldwin’s street to the NFL Draft took a harder route than most of his friends. Baldwin performed for 2 completely different colleges throughout his remaining two years in school. He performed one season at Jackson State in 2020 earlier than transferring to Michigan a yr later. 

Baldwin developed into an NFL prospect below the stewardship of coaches Jim Harbaugh and Deion Sanders. Baldwin described the chance to be coached by soccer royalty a blessing. 

He mentioned Harbaugh and Sanders introduced an NFL really feel to their respective colleges from playbook research to rigorous practices. However it was the two-year stint at Morgan State that positioned the muse and appreciation for a professional profession.

 “Coach Ron Dickerson helped me rather a lot,” Baldwin mentioned. “He allowed me to be assured in my recreation and learn how to make it higher. We had occasions at that college after we didn’t have anyplace to work out. We needed to discover a manner. We needed to be artistic and discover a approach to apply. 

“Nothing was ever given to us, however that was the blessing. It allowed me to understand my subsequent two colleges. At Morgan State, it was about discovering that grit.”

Baldwin had at the least one interview with the Texans, and the 2 events might be an ideal match. Baldwin watched the Texans a number of occasions in 2021 and appreciated what he noticed from beginning quarterback Davis Mills.

Houston’s curiosity in Baldwin might have some competitors inside their division. In response to a supply, the Jacksonville Jaguars have additionally spoken to Baldwin. 

“Should you activate his school movies, you will note an explosive athlete,” mentioned Bryan Miller, Baldwin’s agent. “Irrespective of the place Daylen has been, he has left a long-lasting impression. I see him going into an NFL group, selecting up the playbook and instantly making an impression. 

“Daylen has confirmed he is among the most full receivers at his Professional Day, and the cellphone has been ringing off the hook ever since. I don’t anticipate him to attend very lengthy on Day 3.”

Baldwin could be the second Wolverine the Texans draft in back-to-back years. In 2021, the Texans chosen Nico Collins with the 89th decide. Collins recorded 446 yards on 33 catches and a landing throughout his rookie marketing campaign for the 4-13 Texans.