Here's what a Houston Texans game of chicken would look like on draft day
THE STAKES ARE HIGH!
08 March 2023
At this point in the draft cycle, we've seen and discussed almost every possible scenario for the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. Most mock drafts indicate the Texans will take one of the top QBs in the draft at No. 2, or trade up one spot with the Bears and select a QB.
But a new report from The Athletic suggests the Texans could look to stick and pick at No. 2 and No. 12 hoping a Top 4 QB falls to them at 12, which would allow the team to go best player available at No.2.
We spoke with draft expert Lance Zierlein about the validity of this scenario. While he doesn't believe this plan of action is the best way to go for Houston, he does think there's a chance Kentucky QB Will Levis could still be on the board at No.12.
So if the draft plays out in this fashion, the Texans could end up with Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson and QB Will Levis. But if they gamble on Levis being there and are wrong, the team would likely be looking for a bridge QB to compete with Davis Mills and prepare to draft a QB next season.
What would LZ like the Texans to do in an ideal world?
We asked what he would do if he were running the Texans draft. Zierlein responded by saying he would play a game of “chicken” with the Bears, and refuse to trade up to pick No.1. If the Bears are unable to trade out of the pick, Bryce Young would be the selection for Houston, with the Bears going defense with the first pick.
And if the Bears do trade the pick, they won't want to trade back too far, so they can still draft a quality defensive player. Leaving the Texans with Will Anderson or their favorite QB that's still on the board at No. 2.
In an ideal world, Lance wants the Texans to draft Young at No.2 and then select a defensive lineman that fits DeMeco Ryans' scheme. Zierlein believes the Texans need an overhaul on the defensive line to properly run DeMeco's defense. He would also be okay with the team selecting Arkansas LB Drew Sanders at No. 12.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full conversation!
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How new wrinkles in Astros playoff aspirations open up opportunities, challenges
Sep 9, 2024, 5:01 pm
With 19 games left in the regular season, the Astros sit 4 1/2 games up on the Mariners as they get ready to host the Athletics on Tuesday.
One factor that's stayed consistent for the Astros in recent years, is their ability to step up their game against tough competition, and to play down to lesser teams like the Reds, who swept them last week.
Which is why we're not ready to say the 'Stros have punched their playoff ticket. Missing the postseason however would require a both a surge from the Mariners and a collapse from Houston.
But based on how the Astros have been pitching over the last month (Top 3 in ERA), you have to like their chances to finish strong and secure the division once again.
One of the big news items from the Diamondback series was the return of Kyle Tucker. Tucker didn't do a whole lot in the two games he played in, but having him back does give the Astros lineup a different feel.
With Tucker and Bregman both in the lineup, the Astros have a formidable Top 5. It will be interesting to see how Joe Espada juggles the lineup moving forward, and if he drops Tucker to the five spot in games they are facing a left-handed starter.
Speaking of Tucker and Bregman, we've had countless discussions about whether they will sign extensions with the Astros. In Bregman's case, the new contract Matt Chapman signed with the Giants will likely serve as a measuring stick (6-year, $151 million) for Bregman's next deal.
Don't miss the video above as we preview the playoff push, breakdown Tucker's return, and weigh the pros and cons of signing Bregman to a deal comparable to Chapman's.
Catch our weekly Stone Cold ‘Stros podcast. Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo discuss varied Astros topics. The first post for the week generally goes up Monday afternoon (second part released Tuesday) via The SportsMap HOU YouTube channel or listen to episodes in their entirety at Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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