Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio has done a good job of keeping the rest of the sports world in the dark when it comes to the team’s plans in the 2022 NFL draft.
According to Todd McShay from ESPN, the Texans figure to use at least one of their twin first-round selections at Nos. 3 and 13 overall on a pass rusher — or it could be an offensive lineman as NC State tackle Ikem Ekwonu is a key to unlocking a dominant run game.
Houston could also go with a cornerback at the No. 3 spot, which includes targeting not only Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner, but also LSU cornerback Derek Stingley.
Gardner could definitely be in the mix, but execs around the NFL believe that LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is higher on the Texans’ board and could get attention here.
Stingley has some qualities that are reminiscent of a player Caserio used to work with in cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was with the New England Patriots from 2017-20.
At No. 13 overall, the Texans may go in an entirely different direction and take a wideout, and they seemingly have one they really like.
Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson could be a realistic option. Could the Texans trade up from No. 13 to get him? There’s a lot of intel out there that they really like him.
McShay also posits that the Texans may be looking to trade out of No. 13 overall, a notion that has been bandied about recently.
Part of the Texans’ problem with the 13th overall pick is it is not yet deep enough into the draft to attract other teams who may be looking to get into the quarterback market.
April 28 will finally disclose what Caserio’s draft intentions are, and Texans fans can’t wait to see how the second-year general manager continues to build a competitive roster.
