The Texans wrapped up their 2018 NFL Draft with their selection of cornerback Jermaine Kelly in the seventh round (222nd overall).
Kelly (6-1, 195) transferred from the University of Washington before playing two seasons for the Spartans (2016-17). In 2017, Kelly recorded 53 tackles (46 solo), one tackle for loss, 12 pass breakups and one interception returned 68 yards for a touchdown.
"Studying another San Jose State prospect, I noticed No. 3 making a bunch of plays at cornerback – that was Kelly," Texans football analyst John Harris said. "He has prototype size, length and speed to play on the outside. He was a captain for the Spartans as well."
Kelly will have an opportunity to play on the same defense as J.J. Watt, who he met during his pre-draft visit with the Houston Texans.
"He's somebody I've been looking up to ever since I watched Hard Knocks and he was explaining how he goes to bed at 8 o'clock every night," Kelly said "I tried to dedicate my senior year to just that drive and focus of being disciplined. I really looked up to him and it's just a dream come true to happen to be in the training room and seeing him in there."
