CASERIO PRESS CONFERENCE

7 critical takeaways from Houston Texans GM's Combine presser

Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio spoke at the NFL Combine on Tuesday afternoon and answered questions from the media about Deshaun Watson, what his team will be looking for in the year's draft, the changes that have occurred for the team over the last twelve months, and much more. To see the full presser, be sure to watch the video above.

1. Caserio made it clear that their approach will be different this year because they have more draft picks in the early rounds. Meaning, they were able to rule out a lot of players last year because the team didn't have a pick until the 3rd round. Caserio went on to say what's most important is to know as many players as possible and collect information. He made a point of saying the group that's the most pressing is the underclassmen.

2. Caserio later used defensive lineman Roy Lopez as an example of a player that contributed to the team last season, despite being drafted in the 6th round. Knowing the bottom half of draft eligible players and potentially undrafted players, is just as valuable as knowing the top prospects, according to Caserio. Meaning you can't pay everyone big money, you're going to have to find some bargains to help fill out your roster.

3. When asked what the Texans look for in players, Caserio said "Philosophically, in terms of players. Competitiveness, toughness, consistency, grit, and a certain level of football aptitude, intelligence." I'm just glad he didn't say tough, smart, and dependable. We heard plenty of that from Bill O'Brien. Caserio went on to say they are often wanting the players to teach the Texans what they were asked to do in college. Just to get a baseline of understanding for the staff.

4. Of course, Caserio was asked about Deshaun Watson. But he didn't really shed any new light on the situation. The team is taking it day-by-day...blah, blah, blah...and they'll do what's best for the team. At least that's how I heard it.

5. Some positions of interest Texans fans will be excited about are tight end and running back. When asked about these positions, Caserio said they are certainly going to evaluate them. Not exactly the passion we were hoping for, but he can't tell everyone what he wants to do specifically. Well, he can, but that wouldn't be smart. Currently, Brevin Jordan is the only tight end under contract and running back could certainly use an overhaul as well. Rex Burkhead, Scottie Phillips, and Darius Anderson, who was signed to a reserve-futures deal, are the only running backs under contract.

6. Have we finally seen the end of David Johnson as a Texan? One can only hope. Caserio didn't come right out and say it, but they are clearly looking to upgrade both RB and TE position groups. Drafting a young RB in the second, third, or fourth round would definitely excite the fan base.

7. Finally, Caserio was asked about the decision to pass on Brian Flores as head coach, and said he did what he felt was best for the team, and that was hiring Lovie Smith.


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The Guardians beat the Astros, 10-6. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images.

 Angel Martínez hit a grand slam off closer Josh Hader with two outs in the 10th inning to lift the Cleveland Guardians to a 10-6 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night.

José Ramírez and Brayan Rocchio also homered to help the Guardians beat the Astros for a second straight night after entering the series on a 10-game skid.

Out for a second inning after throwing a scoreless ninth and with a runner on starting on second, Hader (5-2) intentionally walked Ramírez before walking Carlos Santana to load the bases. Hader struck out pinch-hitter Johnathan Rodríguez before Martínez sent a sinker 344 feet, into the first row of the seats in left field to put the Guardians on top.

Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase struck out one in a scoreless 10th to end it after Jakob Junis (2-1) struck out two in the ninth to earn the win.

Houston scored two runs in the eighth inning, with an RBI single from Jose Altuve, to tie it.

Altuve had two hits and drove in four runs, and rookie Cam Smith added three hits.

Houston starter Hunter Brown, who entered with an MLB-leading 1.82 ERA, yielded six hits and a season-high six runs in six innings.

There was one on with one out in the first when Ramírez homered for a second consecutive game, giving the Guardians a 2-0 lead.

The Astros cut the lead to 2-1 when Isaac Paredes scored on a sacrifice fly by Altuve in the bottom of the inning.

Rocchio doubled to start the third before scoring on a one-out double by Nolan Jones, making it 3-1. A two-out single by Daniel Schneemann scored two more, extending the lead to 5-1.

Altuve’s two-run double cut the lead to 6-3 with no outs in the fifth. Houston got within 6-4 when he scored on a sacrifice fly by Victor Caratini.

Cleveland starter Joey Cantillo allowed five hits and three runs with seven strikeouts in four-plus innings.

Key moment

The grand slam by Martínez into the Crawford Boxes.

Key stat

It’s the first time Cleveland has won back-to-back games since beating the Athletics June 21-22.

Up next

Houston LHP Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) opposes RHP Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56) when the series concludes Wednesday.

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