Even though the Houston Texans have arguably the largest need to fill at quarterback, their abundance of draft picks, including two first-rounders, provides for opportunities to wheel and deal in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Texans currently have 12 selections. Given general manager Nick Caserio’s track record, the reality is Houston is using those picks as packages to move up to take specific players.
Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports provided a list of trades the Texans could make in the first round. From that list, here is both one terrible and one great trade the Texans could make in the first round.
Great trade
Benjamin leaves it open as to whether the Texans go with the quarterback-pass rusher or quarterback-receiver combination in Round 1. What does not get addressed in the first round should be in the second.
Rather than wait until the second selection of Round 2, the Texans are proactive and strike a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Houston sends Nos. 33 (Round 2), 65 (Round 4), and 161 (Round 5) to the Seahawks for their 20th overall pick. If they want a receiver, USC’s Jordan Addison and TCU’s Quentin Johnston should be available. If they desire a pass rusher, Clemson’s Myles Murphy, Georgia’s Nolan Smith, or even Iowa State’s Will McDonald could be available.
The Texans get their Round 2 selection a bit early, and have the flexibility of a fifth-year option on the contract. The move does not dip into any of next year’s capital, and it only cost them a couple Day 3 picks.
Terrible trade
Benjamin has the Texans securing Will Anderson at No. 2 overall, but it comes at a heavy cost when they still remain atop the quarterback sweepstakes.
To keep the Indianapolis Colts at bay at No. 4 overall, Houston sends their Nos. 12 (Round 1), 33 (Round 2), and 73 (Round 3) overall along with a 2024 third-rounder for the Arizona Cardinals’ No. 3 overall. The Texans can basically take their choice of whoever remains between C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young quite comfortably.
Ideally Houston addresses two glaring roster holes all in the top-3 of the draft. Imagine getting J.J. Watt and a franchise quarterback in the same round; it has that type of feel.
The problem is Houston can’t address receiver or center adequately until No. 65 overall in Round 3. The Texans risk building a roster with quality players all for two potential superstars. Houston can still find dynamic pass rushers in the first and second round without having to make such a deal witht he Cardinals.
