Could Texans Trade Back into First Round of NFL Draft?
In Houston , the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night. A change for the Houston Texans as they have to wait an additional day before making their first pick at No. 42, a shift from their 2021 draft experience.
On March 15, the Texans traded their first-round pick (No. 23 overall) and a seventh-rounder to the Minnesota Vikings. In exchange, they acquired the No. 42 selection, a sixth-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. Later, Houston traded the 2025 second-rounder to the Buffalo Bills to secure All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Since assuming the role of general manager in 2021, Nick Caserio has built a reputation for his draft day aggressiveness. With his experienced background, it wouldn’t be shocking if he orchestrates a move to propel the Texans back into the first roun
“We’ve always been open-minded, flexible, and adaptable,” Caserio affirmed. “Movement depends significantly on the players. It’s a matter of supply and demand. What resources are at our disposal? If we pass on a player at a certain level, what are the chances of finding a comparable player later on?”
Caserio has been involved in several impactful draft trades. In 2021, the Texans moved up to select wide receiver Nico Collins at pick 89. In the subsequent drafts, he repeated this strategy by trading up for John Metchie III (2022) and Tank Dell (2023) at the same position. He also made a move to acquire former Alabama prospect Christian Harris at pick No. 75 in the 2022 NFL Draft.
One of Caserio’s most notable draft day transactions took place during the 2023 first round. After picking quarterback C.J. Stroud at No. 2, he orchestrated a significant deal with the Arizona Cardinals to secure the third selection, ultimately used to draft Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr.
The key factors influencing Caserio’s decisions on trading up or down during the draft include the information gathered throughout the process and the value of the prospects.
“That’s been our approach and mentality since our time here, and it’s likely to persist going forward,” he mentioned.
As the Texans head into their fourth draft under Caserio’s leadership with nine picks in hand, he recognized during his pre-draft media briefing on April 18 that Houston’s draft positions might “likely undergo some alterations” over time, considering his tenure.
“We may have brought in some players for visits whom we may not draft, but that doesn’t mean we’re not interested in them,” shared Caserio. “Our aim is to gather as much information as possible along the way.
During the NFL Combine in February, defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry stood out as top prospects for Houston. Both players are projected as mid-to-late first-round picks, making it a plausible goal for the Texans to trade back into the first round.
