The Houston Texans are already on the verge of an exciting first day of the 2022 NFL draft with first-round picks at Nos. 3 and 13 overall.
Could the Texans get fortunate and pick for a third time in Round 1 on April 28?
According to Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports, the Buffalo Bills are a team that figures to trade back from their 25th overall pick in the first round.
You might think [general manager] Brandon Beane would be more inclined to move up with Buffalo in win-now mode, but their needs can be addressed more patiently. Sliding back — or even out of — the first round could help them take an additional swing on Day Two.
Houston’s next pick after No. 13 overall is at No. 37 overall — five spots into the second round. If general manager Nick Caserio can sell Beane on the idea that he can shore up roster needs with a high Round 2 pick, then the Texans can climb back into the first round and take three Round 1 selections in the same draft for the first time in team history.
To return to Round 1 for the hat trick, the Texans would need to expect to give up their No. 37 overall pick and their first of two Round 3 selections at No. 68 overall.
At No. 25 overall, the Texans could be looking at Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth, Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson, Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis, or even Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum — at least, that is how Luke Easterling’s recent mock draft projects.
As Caserio proved in the 2021 NFL draft, the Texans are willing to package picks to take the right player; Caserio values quality over quantity when it comes to talent acquisition via the draft. If Houston could have three top-30 players to add to their roster, it would help the Texans get competitively quickly.
