2022 NFL Draft: How Texans can close gap in the AFC with picks to be acquired in Deshaun Watson trade

The Texans reportedly will add three first-round picks, including No. 13 overall this year

The Houston Texans reportedly will acquire a bevy of picks from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson. According to theMMQB's Albert Breer, Houston will receive first-round picks in each of the next three drafts, as well as a 2023 third round pick and a 2024 fourth round pick. The Browns will acquire a 2024 fifth round pick as part of the deal.

The Texans' future plans have been in limbo as the quarterback's legal situation developed. With that situation behind them, the attention now turns to how they use those draft picks, including the No. 13 overall selection in next months' draft. Outwardly, it appears the franchise is committing to Davis Mills for the 2022 season so emphasis should be placed on supplementing deficient areas of the roster.

If Mills works out as a franchise quarterback, Houston will be loaded with an ample amount of draft capital to support him. If not, they are armed with the assets to acquire one in the future. 

The No. 13 overall selection is the only draft pick acquired from Cleveland in the 2022 NFL Draft. The team also holds the No. 3 overall selection. Here is how Houston can maximize the awaiting opportunity: 

Needs everywhere

First and foremost, needs litter the roster. One could make a case that every position on the roster could be upgraded this off-season. It is an unenviable position, but one that should open the door for the franchise to truly draft based on best prospect available. As it stands, CBSSports.com currently has Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and and Purdue edge rusher George Karlaftis as the No. 2 and No. 13 best prospects available, respectively. Although not impossible, it is unlikely that both choices would be used on the same position. 

The goal should be to get blue-chip players at premier, impactful positions. On the offensive side of the ball, those positions, outside of quarterback, are offensive tackle and wide receiver. On the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher and cornerback are those positions. The conversation then becomes creating pressure from the interior, but those other tent pole positions should be addressed first. The draft is loaded with wide receiver talent and opportunity exists to address that position later in the draft.

Specific targets

The Texans should be trying to come away with two of the following: Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker, Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, N.C. State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner and LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. There are eight players in that pool so the franchise should feel good about walking away with two of them. 

Houston also holds the No. 37 overall selection. If a top wide receiver falls, then they should jump at the chance to pick him. In that range, the team could also be looking at Houston defensive tackle Logan Hall, Connecticut defensive tackle Travis Jones and others. 

It is worth noting that the organization empowered general manager Nick Caserio and head coach Lovie Smith since the season concluded.

The 2022 NFL Draft is to be held April 28-30 in Las Vegas, Nevada.