The Houston Texans DO, In Fact, Put Their Nuts On The Table, Trade Up To No. 3 And Grab Will Anderson As A Package Deal With CJ Stroud
Wooooooooooooo!!
If you're wondering where that headline is coming from, it's because I proposed this exact scenario ON APRIL 5.
I relentlessly made fun of Goober McGooberton Texans GM Nick Caserio for what I presumed was a conservative, Patriots-influenced mentality. If anything, I thought at the end of the day, when all the chips were down, on draft night, he wouldn't have the guts to make the pick at No. 2, and then trade up to third overall and pick their best defensive player available.
Whether it was Jack Easterby's ouster, DeMeco Ryans' arrival or Caserio sacking the fuck up and growing a pair, I have no idea. Maybe it was a combination of all three.
Regardless, HOLY SHIT. If you come out of the NFL Draft with CJ Stroud — the initial favorite to go first overall — and the consensus top defensive prospect in Alabama pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr., that's one hell of a haul.
Can't believe this happened. Seriously. I think everyone who wanted to play contrarian and overthink Anderson should reassess themselves. I refuse to believe his 48 tackles for loss and 27.5 sacks over the last two seasons for the Crimson Tide were purely a result of clean-up duty.
The QB I would've taken was Anthony Richardson. Interesting how the Colts, who need to absolutely nail their pick at that position, went with limitlessly talented young Florida man. Whatever. I still had Stroud No. 8 on my big board. Been saying for a long time, his ceiling is a rich man's Dak Prescott. Not sure how that plays in a loaded AFC, but the implication is Stroud could be a top-10 QB in short order.
If Stroud plays like he did against Georgia, forget about it. Surefire franchise quarterback.
This isn't the day for pessimism, is it? I'm not here to poke holes in WEAPONS MERCHANT Stroud's game. The Texans have been through so much shit. They got out from under the Deshaun Watson fiasco, are on their third head coach in as many years, and now have a legitimate ray of hope for the first time since before Bill O'Brien decided to take over GM duties in addition to coaching.
Nick Caserio, you sneaky, sly son of a bitch. You did it!!! MAD RESPECT. BRASS BALLS. WELL DONE, SIR! WELL DONE.