Tag: nick caserio

Texans select TE Cade Stover with 123rd overall pick in 2024 NFL draft

C.J. Stroud is reuniting with Ohio State tight end Cade Stover as the newest member of the Houston Texans.

C.J. Stroud might not have gotten Marvin Harrison Jr., but he’s getting an Ohio State weapon.

The Houston Texans traded up four spots with the Philadelphia Eagles to land former Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover with the 123rd pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

In return, Houston gave up its fourth-round pick (No. 127) and a 2025 fifth-round selection.

Tight end remained a secondary need for Houston following the signing of Dalton Schultz to a three-year, $36 million extension, but with Brevin Jordan entering a contract year, having a secondary long-term option was essential.

Stover shined in 2022 with Stroud as Ohio State clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff. He finished with 406 receiving yards on 36 catches and scored five touchdowns while helping the Buckeyes’ passer earn his second Heisman nomination.

Last season. Stover served as the Buckeyes’ No. 2 weapon behind All-American Marvin Harrison Jr., hauling in 41 passes for 571 yards and five scores. He was named a John Mackey finalist while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.

During the NFL combine, Stover said he would love to reunite with Stroud in Houston and bring the Columbus magic to NRG Stadium.

“It would mean so much to go back with C.J.,” Stover said last month in Indianapolis. “We were captains together two years ago. I could not tell you how much respect and how close I really was with that guy, just for his pure knack for wanting to win and my pure knack for wanting to win. I would love nothing more than to reunite with him.”

The Texans still have four picks remaining on Day 3, including back-to-back selections in the sixth round.

Watch: Highlights of new Texans safety Calen Bullock

It wouldn’t be a Texans draft without a draft-day trade and with the move up eight spots, who recently secured the services of Calen Bullock from USC.

Nobody is surprised general manager Nick Caserio is making a draft-day trade. Actually, it’s shocking that it took until the third round. 

The Houston Texans moved their third-round pick (No. 86) and one of their two fourth-round (No.123) picks acquired in the Deshaun Watson trade in exchange for pick No.78 from the Philadelphia Eagles to select USC defensive back Calen Bullock in the 2024 NFL draft Friday evening. 

Last year, the two teams made three draft-day trades. Houston still holds pick No. 127 in the fourth round heading into Day 3. 

Bullock, an All-Pac-12 first-team defender, is the second defensive back drafted by the Texans on Friday evening, joining Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter. Houston also used another second-round pick (No. 59). on Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher. 

“My mom was crying. I felt good about the pick. The coaching staff, they loved me as a player and a person. I felt good about it,” Bullock said to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.

 

Bullock intercepted nine passes at USC, broke up 15 passes, and returned two for touchdowns. He is a rangy safety gifted with length and athleticism and upside in coverage. 

The move follows a rocky season from former second-round pick Jalen Pitre. He struggled to shore up the back end, specifically on deep passes. Jimmie Ward’s health likely contributed to the selection as well.

Bullock can play multiple positions. He played 42 percent of his defensive snaps at free safety, 30 percent at slot corner and 19 percent in the box in packages with more defensive backs on the field.

Because of his 6-foot-2 frame, the Texans may flirt with the idea of moving him to cornerback. Bullock is a welcome addition to a defense looking to improve upon allowing the 10th most passing yards a year ago.

Nick Caserio reveals why Texans wanted WR Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio knows that Stefon Diggs is one of the league’s top receivers, which is why he’s now C.J. Stroud’s new top target.

Stefon Diggs has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers for nearly a decade.

He’s also been one of the most talked-about players given his brash personality on the field and social media.

The former, however, is why the Houston Texans were adamant about acquiring him for the 2024 season as the next top target for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. As for the ladder, the organization isn’t concerned about his past stops or previous problems.

“He’s an experienced player, he’s been productive, he’s instinctive, he has good hands,” Texans executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio said Thursday. “Our system is maybe a little bit different than the system he was in in Buffalo, but he was as productive as any player in the league.”

The Texans traded for Diggs on April 3, sending a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowler. Now in Houston, Diggs joins a passing attack headlined by breakout target Nico Collins, second-year standout Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz. 

There’s reason for optimism, but also skepticism, especially given how Diggs’ tenure ended at his previous locations. In Minnesota, he reportedly asked for a trade after seeing a drop-off in his role with the offense.

After four productive years in Buffalo as Josh Allen’s No. 1 target, tensions rose following a decline in his numbers. Diggs, 30, was off to a hot start in 2023 with five 100-yard outings. After Week 6, he never came close to that marker for the rest of the year.

While some have labeled Diggs a “diva,” Caserio mentioned that was never an issue. The only persona that mattered to Houston was his on-field one and how he could add another element to the defending AFC South champs’ offense.

“Candidly, I think it’s unfair to label anybody until they actually have an opportunity to walk in the building,” Caserio said. “Again, our environment is different than another environment, so we really don’t know what’s going on in 31 other buildings. We know what’s going on in our building. We are excited to have Stef here.”

Caserio made sure to cross off every reason for concern before finalizing a trade. He and coach DeMeco Ryans dug well past Diggs’ fit in the offense, checking in with former teammates about his locker room presence and demeanor.

For Houston, this offseason was built around Stroud, who led the league in passing yards per game (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5) while guiding the team to its first division title in four years. Much like Buffalo in 2020, the Texans wanted to add a proven playmaker to fortify any apprehension of regression following a postseason berth.

Allen’s gone on to become one of the league’s top quarterbacks after a pair of underwhelming seasons to start his career. Stroud is further along in his progression that the Bills’ gunslinger was entering Year 2, and could be a favorite to win league MVP later this year.

Diggs, who’s posted six 1,000-yard seasons since 2019, was a key element in locking Allen’s potential in Orchard Park. He won’t have to be the offensive top weapon in Houston, but rather a promising supporting cast member opposite Collins, Dell, Schultz, Joe Mixon and John Metchie III.

“He’s been a great player in this league for a long time,” Ryans said Monday. “He is well-respected. He’s been a great teammate; he’s been a leader and a captain.

“He changes games for the teams he’s been a part of, and we’re anticipating the same thing for us.”

What is Texans GM Nick Caserio looking for in 2024 NFL draft?

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio gave a better look at the team’s draft strategy heading into Thursday night.

With the 2024 NFL draft officially a week away, most general managers will meet one final time with reporters before on the clock. 

The Houston Texans aren’t positioned to draft on Day 1 after sending the 23rd overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings. However, they do hold two selections in the second round at picks No. 42 and No. 59, respectively. 

General manager Nick Caserio didn’t mince his words when discussing potential roles for draft picks.

“Whoever we draft, hopefully, they’ll come in here and create a role and niche for themselves,” Caserio told reporters Thursday. ‘It’s probably going to be hard to make this team or make a significant impact.”

Since Caserio arrived from New England in 2021, his approach has been to rebuild the team through short-term deals in free agency while finding long-term fixtures in the draft. Over the past two seasons, Houston’s played more rookies than nearly every other franchise. 

The rookies of the past or now veterans of the present, leaving fewer holes to fill on the roster following a promising first season under new coach DeMeco Ryans. 

Houston’s actions align with Caserio’s comments. The Texans feel content at cornerback after inking one-year deals with Jeff Okudah and C..J. Henderson to play opposite Derek Stingley Jr. At linebacker, there’s newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair and third-year pro Christian Harris. 

Even after trading Maliek Collins and losing Sheldon Rankins to free agency, the Texans stockpiled options at defensive tackle, including signing former Jaguars starter Foley Fatukasi and Titans’ standout Denico Autry. 

“Generally speaking, a lot of these players are behind just relative to their development, where they are physically,” said Caserio. “I would say for whatever reason this year, seems like more players are further behind.”

There are multiple ways to comprehend that, but the Texans may use the draft as an avenue for depth purposes over adding first-year starters like last April with the selections of C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. 

Houston signed the second-most players during free agency at 24, according to Over the Cap. 

“The big thing is trying to add the right people with the right mindset and right mentality that just want to come in and work hard and do their job,” Caserio said. “Again, try to create as competitive an environment and situation as possible, which DeMeco has talked about that.”

The challenging part of the pre-draft process is learning about prospects past the X’s and O’s and rather the personality. Perhaps the best way to do this is to bring them in on visits, which the Texans have not wasted.

Houston’s brought in over a dozen players for top 30 visits and hosted its local prospect day on Apr. 4.

Caserio has been keen on drafting players who have had top 30 visits with Houston because he and the coaches can gather the information needed to feel comfortable selecting them.

Stroud and Anderson, who won Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively, after dominant campaigns, visited NRG Stadium a year ago. Five of the Texans’ nine draft picks from the 2022 class came in for top-30 visits. 

“You’re just trying to gain as much information as you can so you can make a good decision,” Caserio said. “If there is a loophole that you need to close, this provides you an opportunity to do so.”

Houston has nine picks entering Thursday night. That’s likely to change given Caserio’s track record over the previous two years.

In back-to-back drafts, Caserio has orchestrated franchise-record totals in draft-day trades. Last season, he made eight pick swaps, doubling his total from 2022.

“The draft ends ups being really about positioning and where do you think you have to move,” Caserio said. “It’s knowing the players not only at the top, but at the bottom as well.”

Houston has four picks in the final two rounds, so finding talent to help the team for the long haul might be the goal. Caserio highlighted 2023 seventh-round pick Brandon Hill as someone who rarely contributed during his rookie year but could be ready for more time.

“Some players in this year’s draft who physically might not be ready to contribute maybe early on in the season, so maybe you’re drafting them for next year,” Caserio said.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud: Everyone knows how ‘special’ John Metchie III can be

C.J. Stroud is expecting big things from the Houston Texans’ offense and a promising thrid season for John Metchie III

While the Houston Texans recently added Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to the offense, C.J. Stroud wanted to talk about another receiver who’s been working overtime this offseason.

Stroud praised third-year pass-catcher John Metchie III’s work ethic and progress Monday after recently working out with him in Los Angeles, stating how different he’s looked a full year into his remission.

“He has a ton of value, a huge impact that I think he will bring this season,” Stroud said. “I think last year was good to get his feet back in the water, coming off of an injury, then something so traumatic like being sick how he was. His mindset is that he’s just ready to come back and ball.”

A former second-round selection out of Alabama in 2022, Metchie missed the entirety of his rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer. Instead of hauling in passes from Davis Mills, he was undergoing chemotherapy over at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Consider the 2023 campaign Metchie’s de facto rookie year. In 15 games, the former go-to target for Heisman winner and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young hauled in 16 passes for 158 yards. Metchie’s most significant moment came against the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round, where his 27-yard catch set up an eventual touchdown pass to Nico Collins.

Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, recently invited Metchie, Diggs and Tank Dell out of L.A. to run drills at UCLA’s campus. Fully healthy, Stroud could see a spark in the slot receiver that could benefit the Texans’ passing attack this fall.

“Not only is he a great football player, but he’s a great person and I wouldn’t want anybody else other than those guys in that room,” said Stroud. “Metchie is looking amazing. Everything that he will put on this field will be no surprise, but I think everybody in this room knows how special he can be, and he’ll put that on the field.”

Metchie was named the Texans’ annual Ed Block Courage Award last season, recognizing his grit and determination to overcome great adversity. He now looks to be a staple of Houston’s offense en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance this upcoming season.

New Texans WR Stefon Diggs says goodbye to Buffalo, Bills Mafia

Stefon Diggs said goodbye to the Buffalo Bills after a four-year stay before joining the Houston Texans.

Stefon Diggs is excited to be a mainstay with the Houston Texans beginning in 2024, but before he starts hauling in touchdowns from C.J. Stroud, he must say goodbye to Buffalo.

Diggs, who spent the previous four seasons as the Bills’ top weapon, penned his farewell to Western New York via Instagram, thanking them for embracing him as not just a player, but also a personality on and off the field.

“I can’t begin to express the amount of love and respect I have for the city of Buffalo,” he wrote in the post, accompanied by a photo of himself in a Bills uniform. “Four of the best years of my life, the city welcomed me with open arms. I’m forever grateful for you all and the [Buffalo Bills] organization! Something special was built over these years with some very special men, that will always have a place in my heart.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5UjuNfRCLP/

Traded for a 2025 second-round pick, Diggs receives a fresh start with an emerging team looking to go from AFC division winner to legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Consider the four-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher the final piece to the offseason puzzle. General manager Nick Caserio embraced Stroud’s miniscule contract and built around the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Houston brought back tight end Dalton Schultz on a three-year, $36 million contract. They also traded a seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for running back Joe Mixon before quickly inking him to a three-year extension worth up to $27 million.

Diggs, who could be under contract through 2027 if the Texans pick up his option following the season, was consistent during his time with the Bills. He caught over 100 passes per year and finished with at least 1,180 yards and eight TDs.

Reports surfaced last offseason that Diggs was unhappy with his situation in Buffalo following another playoff loss.  The two sides moved past the summer drama by training and Diggs finished the year with 107 receptions for 1,183 yards and eight scores.

After another loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round, Diggs said his future with the Bills was on a “day by day” basis.

The Texans don’t need Diggs to be the 2020 version of himself. Being a quality second option opposite 2023 breakout star Nico Collins shouldn’t be a tall ask. Stroud, who led the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:5) is looking to build off a promising rookie campaign.

Diggs, 30, can be another security blanket on the perimeter for Stroud and a vocal presence in the locker room. While his time with the Bills soured, his feelings for the fans remain at an all-time high.

“Billsmafia, so many great memories created throughout the years. Those games were crazy because of you,” Diggs posted. “Sadly good things come to an end until we meet again.”

Contract terms for Texans DE Derek Barnett released

Derek Barnett is headed back to the Houston Texans on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million.

The Houston Texans have their No. 3 pass-rusher back for another season in Derek Barnett, and now fans know exactly what the contract entails.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Barnett agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $2 million, including a $300,000 signing bonus. Barnett will earn an annual salary of 1.5 million, $700,000 of which is fully guaranteed.

Barnett, 27, transformed into a staple of Houston’s front seven after being claimed off waivers in late November. In six games, the former first-round defensive end totaled 19 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

Barnett, best served as a rotational defensive lineman, also started four games in place of Jonathan Greenard and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., who each suffered injuries that required them to miss two games. His greatest moment of the 2023 season came in the AFC Wild Card Round win over the Cleveland Browns.

He recorded a sack, along with four tackles to help Houston pick up its first postseason victory since 2019.

Hunter, who signed a two-year deal worth up to $51 million to play for the hometown team, was one of three defensive linemen added this offseason, joining former Jaguars starter Foley Fatukasi and Titans standout Denico Autry. Both
Since being drafted out of Tennessee in 2017, Barnett has totaled 169 career tackles, 24 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, and 87 quarterback hits.

‘Top tier destination’: Texans legend J.J. Watt is a fan of Stefon Diggs trade

J.J. Watt has been pleased with the future of the Houston Texans over the past two offseasons.

J.J. Watt served as the final piece of the turning of times at NRG Stadium when the Houston Texans selected him 11th overall in 2011. Prior to his arrival, Houston had only one winning season.

Perhaps the arrival of Offensive Rookie of the Year and wunderkind C.J. Stroud sends a second wind through the franchise that ends with a Lombardi Trophy. Regardless, Watt is excited to see what unfolds in the Texans’ future.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year took to Twitter on Wednesday following the Stefon Diggs trade, praising the AFC South franchise for its two-year turnaround. Last season, Houston added Stroud, along with Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and former Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans as head coach.

A year later, the Texans added Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, Diggs and four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter.

The Texans were looking to build off their first double-digit win season in four years and saw the opportunity to splurge with Stroud still on his rookie contract. After failing to sign a premier running back at the start of free agency, general manager Nick Caserio traded a seventh-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for Mixon.

Mixon, who will turn 28 in July, is coming off another 1,000-yard rushing season and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Texans believe his best years are still ahead and plan to use him as their bell-cow back after agreeing to terms on a three-year extension worth $27 million.

“I’m not thinking about a drop-off,” Ryans said of Mixon at the owners meetings last week. “I’m thinking about the positives and the things that [he’s] done in his career. He’s been consistent throughout his entire career — a guy who can move the chains for you, a guy who can open up the passing game with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He just opens up the things that we can do offensively.”

Defensively, the addition of Hunter should be considered an upgrade — on paper at least — over the departed Jonathan Greenard. He’s coming off a career-high 16.5-sack season with the Minnesota Vikings and led the league with 23 tackles for loss.

Signed to a two-year deal worth up to $51 million, Hunter looks to become the first Texans player since Watt to record back-to-back double-digit sack campaigns on Houston’s defense. He also will serve as a teacher and confidant for Anderson, who broke Watt’s rookie sack record this past fall.

“He’s exciting,” Hunter said of Anderson during his introductory press conference last month. “Has a lot of tools. I was with him earlier, and he just can’t stop jumping, how eager he is to go out there and rush the passer together. Very good kid. I’m excited just to be able to go out there and teach him a lot of things that I know and become a better player.

One of the greatest defensive linemen of the 2000s, Watt guided Houston to five playoff appearances in 10 years. On top of winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards, Watt also recorded 101 of his 113 career sacks as a member of the AFC South franchise.

Watt was the second player added to Houston’s Ring of Honor this offseason, joining Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson. He’ll join Johnson in Canton, Ohio, when eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.

Grading the Texans trade of Stefon Diggs from Bills

The Houston Texans are adding a top-10 weapon for C.J. Stroud with the trade for Stefon Diggs, but how does the trade look long-term?

The first goal for any rebuilding franchise is to find a promising quarterback with five years of roster control. The second? Build around him and compete for a title while he’s still on a rookie contract.

Consider all those boxes checked for the Houston Texans following Wednesday’s trade.

The Texans are adding former Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings. The deal will now have Diggs in Houston through the 2027 season.

Houston continues to build around Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud entering his second season. The former first-rounder already has two breakout targets in Nico Collins and Tank Dell back on rookie contracts.

Last month, the Texans inked a new three-year, $36 million extension with Dalton Schultz just before the franchise tag deadline and also brought in Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. Both are here for the long-term after the 27-year-old tailback agreed to terms on a new three-year, $27 million extension after being traded for a seventh-round pick.

Diggs, 30, is the missing piece. He’s the final element needed to turn Houston from a rising AFC South champion into a legitimate AFC contender for years to come. But how does this trade actually grade out for the Texans past 2024?

Continue reading “Grading the Texans trade of Stefon Diggs from Bills”

2024 NFL draft: Texans send 5 coaches and GM to Texas’ Pro Day

The Houston Texans were well represented at the Texas Pro Day with Nick Caserio, DeMeco Ryans and several staff members in attendance.

The Houston Texans were well represented at the University of Texas Pro Day on Wednesday.

Six members of the team — including general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans — made the three-hour journey from Houston to Austin to watch some of the Longhorns’ top players work out ahead of the 2024 NFL draft in April. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, defensive coordinator Matt Burke, newly promoted defensive line coach Rod Wright (who’s also an alum of Texas) and wide receivers coach Ben McDaniels were also in attendance.

Texas boasts a long list of potential fits for the Texans, including wide receiver and defensive line.

First, let’s start with the wideouts: Xavier Worthy — who broke the NFL combine 40-yard dash record —and Adonai Mitchell. Worthy is more of the take-the-top-off burner wide receiver, while Mitchell is often compared to the pass-catchers like Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. Worthy’s speed is a very interesting aspect of his game, while Mitchell feels like the more natural fit for the Texans given his versatility to play in the slot and on the boundary.

The need for a slot wide receiver is obvious for the Texans, but neither Worthy nor Mitchell could be on the board when Houston picks in the second round after Caserio traded away the No. 23 overall pick to move back to No. 42.

Another area of concern is interior defensive line. Texas has two quality prospects at that position, too: Byron Murphy II and T’vondre Sweat. This duo amassed seven sacks in 2023 and have quickly grabbed the attention of football fans after whose team lacks the talent in their defensive front.

While each player offers a very different skill set, there is no doubt the Texans could benefit from their services after the departure of three of the four starting defensive line members from the 2023 season.

Murphy on paper feels like the more natural fit for the Texans defense, as Ryans tends to keep his front within a certain set of parameters when it comes to physical make up. Murphy is 6-foot-1 and 297 pounds — a similar build to what the other defensive tackles look like on the Texans.

Murphy could be gone before the Texans make a selection, though. Sweat, meanwhile, could be a very real possibility in the second round. Caserio appeared to watch Sweat’s workout intently, and defensive line coach Rod Wright, who played defensive tackle for the Longhorns, spoke with Sweat after his workout.

 

Sending this type of contingent of staff to a Pro Day doesn’t necessarily mean anything, especially given the short travel time to Austin. However, Texas has a lot of good players at positions of need for Houston.

The trip was warranted, but where the Texans go in the draft is anyone’s guess at this point.