Texans, GM Nick Caserio Aggressive in Draft Picks of OL Juice Scruggs and WR Tank Dell
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans had an eventful first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texans selected their potential franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick. And after trading with the Arizona Cardinals, the Texans drafted EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. at pick No. 3.
Day 2 of the NFL Draft was not as explosive as the first round. But general manager Nick Caserio orchestrated a pair of trades that made the second and third rounds just as eventful.
"We'll go back and kind of see what's left, understanding there's probably going to be another 30-ish, 35 players that are probably selected before we pick," Caserio said. "Could we move from 65 into the second round? That's a possibility, but that's going to be player driven. I think we've identified players that we like. We also understand we're going to lose players. That's the reality of it."
Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State drafted second round, No. 65 overall
After packaging the No. 33 pick in favor of Anderson, Caserio hinted at the possibility of trading back into the second round before departing NRG Stadium Thursday night.
Twenty-four hours later, Houston traded up for center Juice Scruggs from Penn State with the No. 62 pick. The Texans obtained the selection from the Philadelphia Eagles, where they sent the No. 65, 188 and 230 picks to the Eagles in the exchange.
Scruggs described his draft selection by the Texans as a "shock," given that the soon-to-be rookie offensive lineman had a few conversations with Houston leading up to the draft. He gave up one sack during the 2022 campaign while finishing with an overall grade of 71.5 per Pro Football Focus.
"This process has been a crazy one," Scruggs said. "I am thankful that the organization gave me a chance. I am a guy who can play center. But I can also play both guard positions."
Tank Dell, WR University of Houston, drafted third round, No. 69 overall
Texans added talent to their subpar wide-receiving corps with their next selection. But Caserio found himself dealing to add wideout prospect Tank Dell from the University of Houston with the No. 69 selection. Houston dealt their No. 73 and No. 151 picks to the Los Angeles Rams for Dell.
Over the last three seasons, Dell recorded 3,155 yards and 32 touchdowns on 228 catches during his collegiate career at Houston.
"It's a blessing," Dell said. "I wanted to be here. This is the pick I wanted. I am in a great situation. This is all I prayed for since I was five years old."
The Texans will close the 2023 NFL Draft with eight picks. Houston's first selection will come at the top of the fourth round (No. 104 and 105) on Saturday.
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