Here’s how Houston Texans could make huge pre-draft splash
BREAK THE BANK
28 February 2023
For the first time in years, the Houston Texans are in a position where they have a large amount of salary cap space and are flush with draft capital to make significant improvements to the roster.
GM Nick Caserio can make a splash in free agency and try to “buy” one of the top players on the market, or he can spread around his budget in free agency and prioritize bodies over talent.
When we asked NFL.com's draft expert Lance Zierlein about how the Texans should proceed, he said he believes the Texans should be bold and go after a highly coveted free agent. Some of the names we discussed were Saints DL Marcus Davenport, and Bills LB Tremaine Edmunds. A wide receiver like DJ Chark or Jakobi Meyers could also be a good fit for the Texans, especially if disgruntled WR Brandin Cooks has played his last game in a Texans uniform.
Finally, Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft has the Texans trading to No. 1 and selecting Bryce Young. His thought is the compensation could be similar to what the Bears had to give up to climb one spot and select Mitchell Trubisky (swap first rounders, 3rd round pick, 4th round pick, 2024 third round pick). If this is indeed what it would require to move up to No.1, should the Texans make the deal?
Be sure to check out the video above as we cover all the angles!
If you enjoy the videos, subscribe on YouTube for our latest content!
Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekdays from 7-10AM on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5.
How Astros surging ace raises key questions about Houston's short, long-term rotation moves
Jul 25, 2024, 5:39 pm
It's no secret to Astros fans that the ascension of Hunter Brown is one of the primary reasons the team was able to rebound from a disastrous start to the season.
Astros manager Joe Espada has seen enough from Brown to start throwing around the word “ace” when talking about him.
Joe Espada on Hunter Brown: "He's having that ace feeling to him. We are expecting him to go out there and deliver what he just did. We knew all along that is in him and now he's starting to turn the corner. He's starting to have that swag where he knows 'my team needs a win.'"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 24, 2024
And it appears the biggest key to Brown's turnaround was mixing in a two-seam fastball to keep right-handed hitters honest. Brown needed a pitch that could command the inside of the plate, which allows his other pitches to be more effective.
We learned just recently, from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that Alex Bregman was the one that suggested the addition of the two-seam fastball to Brown's arsenal.
Come to find out, Bregman often shares advice on how to attack hitters. Or he'll ask pitchers why they chose a certain pitch in a specific situation.
This just goes to show that veteran leadership can make a big difference. Especially on a team with so many young pitchers and catchers. Bregman was able to help Brown when no pitching coach could.
For Brown, this small tweak could be the catalyst that changes the course of his career. And the Astros season for that matter.
However, some will say the difference in Brown is more about confidence than anything else. But confidence only builds after repeated success. Nobody knows where Brown would be without the two-seam fastball.
Looking ahead
If the Astros do make the playoffs, where will Espada slot Brown in the playoff rotation? Framber Valdez has the playoff experience, so he'll probably be penciled in as the number one starter.
Justin Verlander (neck) still isn't facing live batters, so it's hard to count on him. Ronel Blanco has been an All-Star level pitcher this season, but he doesn't have any experience pitching playoff games for the Astros.
So it wouldn't be surprising at all if Brown is the team's number two starter. In all likelihood, whoever is pitching the best at the end of the season may get the nod. But it's fun to discuss in the meantime.
Finally, how does Hunter Brown's arrival impact the Astros' plans at the trade deadline? And how could that affect Justin Verlander's future with the club?
Be sure to check out the video above for the full conversation!
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.
