As most NFL teams attempt to do during the first wave of free agency, the Houston Texans have set themselves up nicely to draft the best player available when their first pick finally comes around at No. 42.
In a flurry of moves that could prove to be franchise-altering, Houston added defensive end Danielle Hunter, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive lineman Denico Autry.
To stockpile capital in later rounds, an area of the draft head coach DeMeco Ryans called “the sweet spot,” the Texans surrendered their first-round pick (No. 23). In a March 15 trade, Houston’s sent No. 23 to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for second- (No. 42) and sixth-round picks (No. 188) and a 2025 second-rounder.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has some advice for the Texans brass on best approaching those selections when April 26th rolls around: “Don’t be dumb.”
“Whoever’s up there, man, be smart. Don’t be dumb. Don’t think too hard,” Stroud said in an April 15 press conference.
The Texans didn’t have to think too hard about Stroud in the last draft. The Carolina Panthers made it pretty easy for them.
