As many NFL teams try to do during the first round of free agency, the Houston Texans have set themselves up well to pick the best player available when their first pick comes at No. 42.
In a series of moves that could be game-changing for the franchise, Houston added defensive end Danielle Hunter, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive lineman Denico Autry.
To gather more capital in later rounds, a part of the draft head coach DeMeco Ryans called “the sweet spot,” the Texans gave up their first-round pick (No. 23). In a trade on March 15, Houston sent No. 23 to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for second- (No. 42) and sixth-round picks (No. 188) and a 2025 second-round pick.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has some guidance for the Texans management on how to approach those picks when April 26th arrives: “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.
Texans Get Small Increase in Power Rankings for Initial Free Agency Moves
After their first round of free agency moves, the Houston Texans received a slight bump, moving from No. 9 to No. 8 in the 2024 power rankings.
“The roster around breakout QB C.J. Stroud appeared marginally improved (if far more expensive) following free agency, the major arrivals being veteran DE Danielle Hunter and RB Joe Mixon,” USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote on April 4. “Then WR Stefon Diggs was acquired Wednesday, likely further bolstering Houston’s chances to reach the AFC championship game for the first time.”
While bringing in Diggs doesn’t prevent Houston from getting another pass-catching weapon for Stroud, it definitely reduces the urgency. The 2024 draft has a deep wide receiver class, but it’s almost certain there’s one the Texans won’t select.
C.J. Stroud Commends Expected Top NFL Draft Wide Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is over a year removed from forming a strong partnership with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at Ohio State.
When the two played together, they were unstoppable. According to Sports Reference, the pair amassed 1,402 yards and 17 touchdowns in 16 games.
For Stroud, it’s clear that his former Buckeye teammate should be the first receiver drafted this week.
“Watch the tape. He’s been doing it from his freshman year, his true freshman year, to now,” Stroud said. “When you talk about – I think I read something like he’s NFL ready, but other guys have more potential. That makes no sense. Like, what? If you’re ‘NFL ready,’ how is that not potential? You want longevity, you want somebody who has been doing it. For him, that’s what he sleeps, eats and breathes. He’s a worthy talent, but his work ethic and how he influences that room. I challenged him that last year when Jaxon [Smith-Njigba] went down, he had to take over as leader, and he did that. He’s not really vocal, but he became vocal, and you can see his personality start to come out as he started to play more. For me, I think I would love to play with him again. I probably won’t get that opportunity for a while, but I’m super proud of him.
The young and talented quarterback is correct. It will take a long time, if at all, for fans to hear Stroud connecting with Harrison mentioned together again. Because they don't have a first-round pick, it's almost impossible for them to select the top projected receiver.
