The Texans took their second cornerback of the 2019 Draft on Saturday when they plucked Central Michigan's Xavier Crawford in the sixth round.
The 195th overall pick, Crawford led the Chippewas in pass breakups last season with 12, and was a first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection. It was his only season at CMU, as he transferred there after earning a degree in three years at Oregon State. As a freshman in 2016, he was a Freshman All-American with the Beavers.
The 5-11, 187-pounder was very happy to get the call from the Texans.
"I'm excited," Crawford said. "I'm enthused. Honestly, there's not even words to describe how excited I am."
General manager Brian Gaine liked Crawford's ability to play both on the outside and the slot corner spots.
"He gives you more position versatility, maybe to play outside and inside," Gaine said. "We were pleased to have the opportunity to get him in the sixth round."
Houston took cornerback Lonnie Johnson, Junior out of Kentucky in the second round Friday night with the 54th overall pick. That duo joins a defense with a front-7 that boasts 3-time AP Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, and three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney. Crawford can't wait to play with them.
"That's great," Crawford said. "They're great at their positions and they're going to make my job a lot easier."
In all, the Texans took a pair of offensive linemen, two cornerbacks, a tight end, a defensive end and a fullback in the Draft.
The Texans picked Central Michigan cornerback Xavier Crawford in the 6th round (195th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. (AP images)
Oregon State cornerback Xavier Crawford (22) breaks up a pass intended for California's Demetrius Robertson during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Oregon State won 47-44 in overtime. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez)
Minnesota wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky (82) tries to break away from Oregon State cornerback Xavier Crawford (22) during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 30-23. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Monday, March 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs the 40yard dash in this slow shutter speed, panning photo from the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford participates in a drill during the 2019 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Monday, March. 4, 2019. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Central Michigan defensive back Xavier Crawford runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
