The Houston Texans’ “SWARM” mentality requires players who are both physically and mentally tough to execute properly, and new cornerback Collin Wright could fit right in. Wright is part of the 2026 draft class, but the Texans found him after the actual event.
He is joining what is a deep position group, part of what is arguably their best unit from top to bottom: the secondary.
However, after the events of last season, he could have a decent opportunity to stick around.
Texans’ Collin Wright Draws Strong Review
GettyCollin Wright is joining a deep group with the Houston Texans.
Wright joins a group led by two-time First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, and that includes 2025 third-round selection Jaylin Smith and second-year former undrafted free agents Ajani Carter and Alijah Huzzie.
“Well-built with solid length, Wright (6-0, 188) is a physical corner who has good balance and can play either outside or in the nickel,” The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner wrote on May 3, listing one UDFA to watch for every team. “A team captain at Stanford, Wright had a combined 16 pass breakups over his past three seasons.”
Wright finished his four seasons with the Cardinal with 144 combined tackles, 14 pass deflections, 5 interceptions, and returned one of those picks for a touchdown.
The Texans ranked first overall and second in scoring defense in 2025.
Their pass defense ranked sixth, which stands out despite their talent due to the rash of injuries they suffered during the season. Smith appeared in four games, while Carter and Huzzie also dealt with injuries, appearing in two games apiece.
The Texans also still have veterans Ja’Marcus Ingram, Ka’dar Hollman, and Tremon Smith, and they signed Brandon Codrington in free agency this offseason.
Wright could have to battle for a spot on the Texans’ practice squad.
Pre-Draft Profiles on Collin Wright
GettyCollin Wright is a physical presence at cornerback.NFL
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Wright as the 25th-best cornerback in the 2026 class, giving the new Texans defender a sixth-round grade.
“Wright is a smooth operator in coverage and has aggressive eyes, promising ball skills and toughness in all phases,” Brugler wrote in his “The Beast” draft guide. “His inside-outside versatility will help him find a home.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected a sixth or seventh-round grade for Wright.
“Three-year starter whose lack of desired long speed and athleticism could pigeon-hole him into a role as a zone corner or big nickelback. Wright has improved his coverage recognition and is physical when he gets his chance. However, he might not have the short-area movement/burst needed to stay sticky with man routes or make plays on the ball in off coverages,” Zierlein wrote.
“Size and stability underneath could allow him to play closer to the line for a defense that asks him to keep the action in front of him. Wright projects as an average backup.”
The Ringer’s Todd McShay graded Wright as a 45 on a scale of 100, ranking him 26th among the 2026 class of corners, and as the 225th overall prospect. Wright’s lack of explosiveness likely factored into the grade, despite his having other strong intangibles.
It will be up to head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Texans to get the most out of Wright.
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