How Texans No. 12 pick just got really interesting (and somewhat controversial)
VALUE SHOPPING?
16 March 2023
The Houston Texans have an opportunity to draft one of the top QBs in the draft with the No. 2 overall pick. Assuming they do exactly that, and draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, what should they do with the No. 12 pick?
Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter has been falling down draft boards after being charged with drag racing after the National Championship game. And this week, Carter caught more criticism for being nine pounds heavier at his pro day, than he was at the NFL Combine. Plus, Carter appeared out of shape at his workout.
If Carter tumbles down the draft board, he could be a great value for a team like the Texans from a football standpoint.
Which made us question if Carter's reported character issues would keep him off the Texans draft board.
And if so, which player or position should the team look to address with their second first round pick?
Be sure to check out the video above as the guys discuss the likelihood of the Texans drafting Carter, and why a WR would make a lot of sense for Houston at No. 12 overall.
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Astros look to stay in control as division pace quickens
Jun 18, 2025, 4:13 pm
Coming off a dominant offensive performance, the Houston Astros return to the field Wednesday night looking to keep their momentum rolling against the Athletics. Cam Smith’s four-hit breakout powered a 13-3 rout on Tuesday, and now the Astros aim to take control of the series in Game 3 of the four-game set.
Houston, sitting atop the AL West at 42-31, will send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound. Valdez has been in strong form all season, posting a 7-4 record with a 3.10 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 2025. He’ll be looking to build on Houston’s recent pitching success. The Astros have held opponents to a 2.60 ERA over their last 10 games while going 7-3 in that span and outscoring opponents by 24 runs.
The A’s will counter with veteran right-hander Luis Severino, who enters with a 2-6 record and a 4.47 ERA. While his season has been inconsistent, Severino still has the ability to miss bats and will look to keep an Astros lineup in check that’s hitting .271 over its last 10 contests.
The Athletics come in at 30-45 overall and 13-24 at home, and though they've dropped three of four to the Astros this season, the power potential is always there. The A’s have launched 92 home runs so far — seventh-most in the majors — with Tyler Soderstrom and Max Muncy continuing to anchor the offense. Soderstrom has already racked up 14 homers and 45 RBIs on the year, while Muncy has gone deep three times over his last 10 games.
Houston’s offense has been steadily rising, fueled by key performances from both veterans and emerging talent. Jeremy Peña continues to provide steady production with 15 doubles and nine homers on the year, while rookie Cam Smith has caught fire, going 14-for-40 with four doubles and two homers in his last 10 games.
The Astros are 33-13 this season when they out-hit their opponent, and they’ll look to follow that blueprint again Wednesday. First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m. EDT in West Sacramento, with Houston holding a 3-1 edge in the season series.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -162, Athletics +136; over/under is 9 runs
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