INDIANAPOLIS — Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio holds the third overall pick of the draft. Currently, that is. Which 2022 NFL Draft prospects could the Texans target with that selection?
What are the Texans looking for in the 2022 NFL Draft?
The former New England Patriots executive has made it clear that the Texans’ first-round pick is available for the right price. While Caserio might want to acquire more draft capital, what if he stays at the third overall pick?
“It’s pretty early in the process, I would say more than anything,” Caserio said. “You kind of know who’s picking where right now if nothing changes. I think speaking specifically to this week, I don’t think there’s anything that happens or takes place here relative to what players do on or off the field or what happens in a 20-minute interview is going to change what your philosophy is on it, on moving back or making trades or those types of things.
“I think the most important thing for us is to kind of know as many players as possible. I’d say relative to last season we’re in a little different position relative to eliminating call it 55, 60 players last year that we knew we weren’t going to have access to.”
Will the Texans discuss trades at the Combine?
While Caserio seems open to moving back from No. 3 overall, it doesn’t sound as though any deals are imminent. Those talks will likely take place closer to the draft, meaning the 2022 NFL Combine will be about gathering intel on prospects.
“Now, I’d say the pool of players is a little bit wider,” Caserio stated. “Just trying to get as much information. I’d say the group that probably is most pressing are the underclassmen because this is really the first opportunity to spend extensively with them face-to-face. A lot of them weren’t at an all-star game, so I’d say you’re kind of in the infantile stages. As far as when trades or movement and those types of things that take place, those are things as you get a little bit closer to the draft.
“You’re having dialogue or discussions with other teams about that, which probably doesn’t make that much sense. But philosophically in terms of team building, the people that have followed us, we’re pretty open-minded, we’re pretty flexible, like whatever means necessary. So whether it’s trade, whether it’s move back in the draft, whether it’s move up, whether it’s trade with another team in the league, whatever it is, we’re going to explore all avenues.”
NFL Draft prospects the Houston Texans should be watching
With that thought in mind, here are seven players the Texans could consider when they’re on the clock:
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama: Athletic, massive, and powerful blocker who would give the Texans maximum flexibility for their offensive line and a huge building block in their rebuilding project.
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan: Relentless, premier pass rusher who had 73 pressures and 14 sacks. Has drawn favorable comparisons to elite NFL pass rushers, including Nick Bosa.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon: High ceiling athlete with a proven repertoire of pass-rushing moves and an ability to consistently finish and erase plays.
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State: Reliable road-grader type. Has the speed to be a lead blocker in the open field. Has a nasty streak and outstanding agility.
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame: Arguably the most talented player regardless of position in the draft, Hamilton’s range and instincts are rare traits. His size-speed combination is eye-catching.
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: Well-versed at pass blocking after playing in Mike Leach’s pass-centric offense — he had over 700 pass protection sets last season. He’s NFL-ready.
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU: Stingley is gifted, without question. It’s his durability that’s a real issue for NFL teams to ponder. He is the top cornerback in this draft with his footwork and fluid coverage skills. Health issues are enough to give a team pause, though.
