Could the Houston Texans actually trade up to land the right player this month in the NFL draft? Well, according to one mock draft (albeit an insane exercise because of the parameters), that should be a priority after the first 10 picks.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell brought it upon himself to trade all 32 picks in the first round. Yes, you read that correctly. Every team has lost its mind and decided to ship off its selection to a new team, causing mayhem, chaos and unhinged thoughts throughout the Thursday evening in Green Bay at Lambeau Field.
While some trades are a bit perplexing, even for Barnwell's exercise, the Texans trade is at least plausible. With a need at wide receiver and offensive tackle, ensuring that at least one of the top names will be in Houston helping C.J. Stroud prosper shouldn't even have to be discussed after last season's woes.
In the mock, Barnwell has Houston sending the Miami Dolphins three picks of its first four picks (1-25, 2-58, 3-89) in exchange for the 13th overall pick and pick No. 135. After adding a third-round pick from the Laremy Tunsil deal, the Texans still should remain in play for an interior lineman or wide receiver at pick No. 79 while addressing the other position with a "can't-miss" player.
Barnwell believes that while the offensive line needs help, the receiver room is in dire need of immediate attention. By moving up to No. 13, the Texans jump Indianapolis, thus securing a premier target that will elevate the passing game alongside Christian Kirk and Nico Collins.
"Trading up to No. 13 could get the Texans in position to take their pick of the non-Travis Hunter options at receiver," Barnwell wrote. "Would they beat the rival Colts to the punch for Tyler Warren? Could they land Tetairoa McMillan or Matthew Golden? With Stroud likely signing a massive extension after next season, they can sustain their offense with cheaper pass-catching solutions."
The Texans have seven picks in the upcoming draft. Add in the two future picks in 2026 from the Tunsil trade, including a 2026 second-round pick, they have the draft capital to build a roster around one or two studs in this year's draft.
Even if the asking price of three picks in 2025 feels rich, moving up doesn't. It should be a conversation starter for the Texans as the days dwindle and inch closer to the Texans being on the clock.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire:
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