Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Insider explains why the Texans control several draft boards

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 20, 2023 2:56 PM ET

The Houston Texans' decision during the first round of the draft on April 27 could have a domino effect.

Per ESPN NFL Insider Dianna Russini, several teams are asking around to find out what Houston plans to do with the No. 2 overall pick. The Texans may not select a QB, and the Cardinals could trade the No. 3 pick, creating opportunities for teams to choose one.

The NFL Draft drama next week starts with Houston. MANY teams are asking around right now trying to find out what the Texans are going to do. If they don't go QB and Arizona trades out, there's a team that can get the 2nd best QB in this draft.

Texans controlling so many boards.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) April 20, 2023

Also, during a Monday news conference, Texans GM Nick Caserio said, "I would say we're open to listening to offers" for the No. 2 pick, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

The Texans may be using a similar strategy as the Bears, who traded the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina for four draft picks and WR D.J. Moore.

Teams like the Colts are desperate for a viable starting QB. Indianapolis' projected starter Gardner Minshew has an 8-16 starting record. Therefore, they may offer a substantial package for the No. 2 pick.

In his recent mock draft, Peter Schrager of NFL Network and Fox Sports predicted the Colts would trade their first-rounder (No. 4 overall) and two-time Pro Bowl DT DeForest Buckner to select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud.
Houston should still improve at QB because Davis Mills tied the league lead in interceptions last season (15 in 15 games). However, the Texans have another first-rounder, No. 12 overall.

Despite several mock drafts speculating that four QBs could go within the first 10 picks, Schrager believes Kentucky's Will Levis could fall to the Texans at No. 12.

Houston's vague plans might work because it acquired leverage shortly before the draft and could make a move that kick-starts the franchise.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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