Rumor: Texans Still Want to Trade #1 Pick

Rumors are still swirling that the Houston Texans are “trying hard” to trade the No. 1 overall draft pick.   Potential trade partners include the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions.

“It is unclear who the Bills would want in a trade-up scenario,” Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report wrote. “Some believe they would move up for a quarterback. They also could make good use of an offensive tackle such as Greg Robinson. And it would be something to see them pair Mario Williams with either Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack.”

It’s been indicated that the Texans may not be sold on any of the prospective quarterbacks at #1. Texans owner Bob McNair told the Houston Chronicle, “One of the things, if we wind up with a young quarterback, we’d probably bring in a veteran so that we don’t have to depend on that rookie…That’s tough, putting a rookie in there and expecting him to be able to play right off the bat.”

It’s unclear who the Bills may be after with the possibility of the top pick. General manger Doug Whaley mentioned, “We’re all in with” EJ Manuel, but coach Doug Marrone told reporters that Buffalo could go in any direction at the position.  The Bills would definitely have to give up at least their 9th and 41st pick to even be in consideration for a trade.

As for the Detroit Lions, Mike Florio of PFT wrote,  “Speaking of the No. 1 selection, there’s a chance the Texans could try to trade down and draft a quarterback lower than No. 1.  Unless another team emerges as a clear contender to move up, the Lions could play the Texans against the Rams to get a better deal for the No. 1 or No. 2 pick.”  For the Lions the deal would have to include their 10th overall pick and either their second round pick this year or next year’s first round pick, otherwise a deal likely wouldn’t be made.

The 2014 NFL draft will be held from May 8–10, 2014 at Radio City Musical Hall in New York City.