My gut tells me that the Texans are not displeased that the PANTHERS snatched BRYCE YOUNG in my Mock in front of them. From a public relations standpoint BRYCE might have had a bit more pizzaz with the Texans fan base. But looking at the size issues for YOUNG chances might seem better that a taller, beefier STROUD makes some serious sense. So let’s go Drafting with GM NICK CASERIO…
Round 1, Pick 2 C.J. STROUD QB Ohio St 6’3/215 A more traditional NFL QB from multiple aspects including size. His mechanics look like a text book video. His biggest moment of affirmation came in the opening Final Four game when he showed more running ability and overall athleticism than many folks thought he had… and did it against a dominating GEORGIA Defense. Should make a solid Franchise QB like they had in Deshaun WATSON until the wheels came off the wagon with him.
Round 1, Pick 12 JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA WR Ohio St 6’1/195 Why would you not want to give STROUD the best route-running receiver in this Draft Class, and a trusted teammate from his college days with the Buckeyes. I am assuming that his Combine Medicals went well and health is not an issue. He could lead this team in multiple receiving categories as a Rookie.
Round 2, Pick 33 WILL McDONALD ER/OB Iowa St 6’4/240 One of the best Edge-Rushers in this Draft Class, who will help them rebuild their pass rush. Vet Jerry Hughes has done a fine job for them the past 2 seasons, but he is entering his 13th year in the League, if he doesn’t retire. It’s time for new blood, and McDONALD has the look of a double-digit Sack man per season.
Round 3, Pick 65 D.J. TURNER CB Michigan 5’9/170 I don’t want to sound like an AL DAVIS Draft disciple, but with some of your secondary players also getting long in the tooth, why not draft the fastest player at the Combine in TURNER, who sprinted his way to a blistering 4.26/40. I would initially expect him to fill their Slot coverage needs.
Round 3, Pick 73 STEVE AVILA IOL TCU 6’4/330 How about a muscle-man who might be able to fill either the OC slot or a OG position. He’s a solid athlete for his size and the IOL troops leave a bit to be desired right now for this team.
Just in case you lost track here, the Texans now have (arguably) 5 0f the Top 73 players in this Draft. This is how you build a team from the ground up which Cesario has had to do.
Round 4, Pick 104 DORIAN WILLIAMS LB Tulane 6’1/230 Good athlete, and a highly productive defender. Should shine on Special Teams immediately, and will provide excellent LB talent in the future.
Round 5, Pick 161 NICK SALDIVERI OL Old Dominion 6’6/315 Not sure where he fits best as he moves up in competition as a pro, but starting with the Senior Bowl he really stood out playing against elite talent and then posting notable numbers at the Combine.
Round 6, Pick 188 SIDY SOW OG E.Michigan 6’5/325 Good athlete given his bulk.
Round 6, Pick 201 GERVARRIUS OWENS S Houston 6’/195
Round 6, Pick 203 RONNIE BELL WR Michigan 6’/190
Round 7, Pick 230 JOSH WHYLE TE Cincinnati 6’7/245
Round 7, Pick 259 COLTON DOWELL WR TN/Martin 6’3/210 MR. IRRELEVANT excelled at HBCU events, including a solid frame and a 4.42/40 time.
GM CASERIO has shuffled his roster, ala his mentor Bill Belichick, since arriving in Houston. The inevitable exit of Watson from Houston to Cleveland has supplied the extra Draft Picks to restock the Texans roster with young talent. This draft represents both talent and volume. If they groom STROUD and his young teammates slowly, but thoughtfully this season, then another quality Draft in 2024 could boost them into contention for an AFC South title. They will need to show steady progress in 2023 to support these hopes.
Pigskin
