Pat McAfee Show: Michael Lombardi sets the record straight on CJ Stroud, Texans
REAL TALK
18 April 2023
NFL insider Michael Lombardi joins The Pat McAfee Show and shares his thoughts on why he believes the Houston Texans are going to take the best player available, and that isn't CJ Stroud, according to him.
Lombardi is of the opinion that every QB in this draft besides Bryce Young has something “wrong with them.” Meaning, something about their game indicates to him that they're not ready to step in and play at the NFL level.
So if it's not Stroud, what will the Texans do? Lombardi believes the Texans and DeMeco Ryans will have a long-term outlook and minimize risk by taking the best player available. Which according to him is Georgia defender Jalen Carter, but Carter's off the field issues likely will cause Houston to pass on him in favor of Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson or Texas Tech d-lineman Tyree Wilson.
The Texans could also be in position to trade down and get a nice trade package for a team looking to draft Stroud.
A new wrinkle?
Lombardi later makes the case that it seems NFL teams are starting to believe Stroud may not go No. 2 after all, and are seriously considering other possibilities. If teams are preparing as if this could actually happen, and it isn't a smoke screen, there might be something to this. Of course, the Texans could just be doing a good job of creating uncertainty.
We'll find out next Thursday!
Be sure to check out the video above to learn more!
Warning: The video contains graphic language.
How latest Yordan Alvarez news provides clarity on multiple levels for Astros
May 7, 2025, 12:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
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