The Houston Texans are back in the first round after trading this year's opening-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals as part of the Will Anderson Jr. deal and then moving out of the frame altogether before the event even began by flipping their extra pick to the Minnesota Vikings.

Upon their return, the Texans continue to build DeMeco Ryans' defense.

The addition of Georgia's Malaki Starks may seem like overkill after Houston drafted two defensive backs—Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock—during Day 2 of this year's draft.

This pairing is about long-term depth and scheme flexibility. The following Houston defensive backs are free agents after this season: Jeff Okudah, C.J. Henderson, Desmond King II, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Myles Bryant, Kris Boyd, Jimmie Ward, Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart.

Starks can play alongside Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock in big nickel looks, with either of the latter two covering the slot, replacing Ward and King in that role.