The Texans were flush with early picks for a change, a minor miracle when one considers where the Deshaun Watson situation appeared to stand not long ago.
“To be honest, ever since the Deshaun Watson trade, I have a lot of respect for (GM Nick) Caserio, the way he held the line,” an exec said. “At first, I bought into the criticism when people said they should have traded him before the legal issues, that his value was diminished, that the no-trade clause would be a burden. But the way they played that trade, to force teams to provide trade terms before visiting with Watson, was really well done.”
Three first-round picks, a 2023 third and fourths in 2022 and 2024 gave Houston a chance. Trading back from 13 to 15 with Philadelphia added three more picks in this draft.
“I wouldn’t say there is any consistent theme behind what they are doing other than getting as many talented players as they can and seeing what sticks,” an exec said. “They are not forcing a quarterback. I don’t know if that is the right move, but there also wasn’t a great quarterback prospect in this draft, and they have future 1s.”
It was interesting to see the Texans and Jets use top-four picks for cornerbacks while running schemes known for coverage concepts that do not always require the absolute best athletes at the position. Then again, with the way Houston has shuffled through coaches, perhaps this pick was made with the organizational future in mind and less regard for the current scheme.
“I think (Derek) Stingley was a top-three pick on most boards,” an exec said. “He is super freaky, fluid. He could be the best corner prospect to come out since Stephon Gilmore. He has the size, the length, the movement, the ball skills. Just as a pure prospect, he checks every box, and is more fluid than Jalen Ramsey was. I like ‘Sauce’ Gardner a lot, but I thought Stingley has a different level of potential, like Hall of Fame-type potential.”