The Houston Texans addressed their defensive back depth in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting standout Kamari Ramsey 141st overall. Ramsey spent his first two collegiate seasons with UCLA and the final two with USC, totaling 133 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 35 games. He had a solid redshirt junior campaign, recording 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups across nine games, having missed four contests due to food poisoning and a right knee injury.
Ramsey offers positional versatility, capable of playing in the slot and at both safety positions, and is also a solid special teamer. In his rookie season, he will compete with Alijah Huzzie for the backup slot position and the top backup safety spot against Jaylen Reed and M.J. Stewart after the Texans moved on from Jimmie Ward.
The Houston Texans’ 5th-round backup could outperform draft expectations
USC Trojans, Kamari Ramsey
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) is pressured by Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In a Sports Illustrated article, Justin Melo identified five underrated fifth-round picks who could outperform expectations. He named Kamari Ramsey, noting that he possesses the positional versatility and frame the Texans covet in their defensive backs. He also pointed to the team’s coaching staff and scouting department, which have nailed multiple defensive back prospects, including Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre, suggesting that Ramsey could follow a similar trajectory.
“Kamari Ramsey possesses the versatility and frame the Houston Texans covet in the defensive backfield. The same coaching and scouting staff that nailed recent picks like Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre have identified him as their next steal. Ramsey can play nickel or either safety spot. He’s tough, athletic, and versatile. Playing time will initially be tough to come by in this secondary, but he’ll provide depth and special teams ability,” Melo said.
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Versatile safety prospect with solid size. Ramsey saw a heavier workload at nickelback in 2025 after splitting time at all three safety spots in 2024. He plays with average eyes in space and good break anticipation when matched up in man. He was adequate covering the slot in college but might not have enough short-area burst and athleticism to do the same in the pros. He needs to close downhill in run support with greater urgency when playing from depth. His tackle-finishing saw a massive improvement in 2025, but with multiple games missed in consecutive seasons, Ramsey’s draft stock could take a hit due to durability concerns.”
He projects as a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.