Texans' Trade Strategy Yields Stars

0:00On April 25 last year, the Houston Texans made a smart move trading out of the 25th pick in the first round with the New York Giants. They sent that pick away and grabbed a second rounder at 34, a third rounder at 99, plus a 2026 third round pick at. 69, GM Nick Casario flipped the script, turning one high pick into multiple shots at talent. With that 34 pick, they snagged wide receiver Jade and Higgins, who balled out as a rookie, hauling in 41 catches for 500. 25 yards and 6 scores over 17 games. They packaged the 99 with their own 58 to jump up to 48 for offensive tackle Ariante Ercery. That 2026-69 pick bounced around trades before landing with the Bears, who took tight in Sam Roush. Higgins stepped up big, starting 10 games and ranking second in yards behind Nico Collins, showing real consistency late in the season. Ercery locked down left tackle, starting 16 games despite some rough spots like 8 sacks allowed.

1:00He grew into it though, giving fans hope for the line. Over in New York, the Giants used that 25th on quarterback Jackson Dart, their big swing for a franchise guy. He started 12 games as a rook, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and just 5 picks, plus 400. 87 rushing yards and 9 scores. Concussion slowed him, but he sets a run it back under new coach John Harbaugh. From a value standpoint, the Texans came out way ahead on trade charts, netting starters at premium spots if these guys keep developing. Casario's wheeling and dealing keeps Houston stacked for another run. Next, football news, powered by AI. This is NFL News Today, I'm Cory with the story.