Some franchise modes on NFL video games allow for the fantasy drafting of all 32 teams ahead of the first season in the league. It would be the Houston Texans’ chance to select Patrick Mahomes or unite as many Watt brothers as possible.
In the same vein, ESPN’s NFL Nation held a similar draft with each of their reporters the general managers of their respective clubs they cover. Sarah Barshop, who covers the Texans, was tasked to pick four foundational players that could help win a Super Bowl in five years.
Barshop’s first selection was three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins followed by running back Saquon Barkley, quarterback Derek Carr, and safety Tyrann Mathieu.
No elite quarterback available at No. 26? No problem. The player I took instead only needs an average one to be an All-Pro. Hopkins is in his prime and has put up huge numbers with the likes of Brian Hoyer, Brock Osweiler and Tom Savage throwing him the ball.
I was shocked to see Barkley on the board for my next pick, so I opted to go for the best running back-wide receiver combo in the league. Carr is coming off a strong season without elite playmakers to throw to, so he was an easy third-round pick. I wanted J.J. Watt but couldn’t risk missing out on the best of the remaining quarterbacks. Besides, Mathieu — who was voted by his teammates as the MVP of the reigning Super Bowl champions — is an ideal leader and playmaker to lead the defense.
The Texans had three players who ended up with other franchises. In Round 1 with the fourth overall pick, the New York Giants took Deshaun Watson. In Round 3, the Cincinnati Bengals selected left tackle Laremy Tunsil and the Baltimore Ravens claimed J.J. Watt.
What would be problematic for Houston’s squad is the lack of pass rush. However, they might have enough offensive fire power to keep contending for the AFC South.