Texans GM: C.J. Stroud Sharing Deshaun Watson's Agent Won't Impact HOU's Decision

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is squashing the rumors that the agent connection between C.J. Stroud and Deshaun Watson would prevent the team from selecting the Ohio State quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Caserio said David Mulugheta, the agent for Watson, representing Stroud is "not a factor at all" in their decision-making process.

There has been a lot of speculation that Houston might pass on a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.

ESPN's Matt Miller reportedly earlier this month that Alabama edge-rushed Will Anderson Jr. is the top-ranked player on Houston's board. He said the team "isn't sold" on the quarterbacks after Bryce Young, whom the Carolina Panthers are widely expected to select at No. 1.

Per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, there's a feeling among general managers and agents around the NFL that the "bad blood" between the Texans and Mulugheta stemming from the Watson saga is making Stroud a "non-starter" for Houston.

The Texans, who also own the No. 12 pick, might believe they can get one of the top quarterbacks later in the first round. But given how the draft could play out if they pass on a quarterback at No. 2, that's no guarantee.

The Indianapolis Colts (No. 4), Seattle Seahawks (No. 5), Detroit Lions (No. 6), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7), Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) and Tennessee Titans (No. 11) are all threats to potentially take a quarterback. Teams such as the Washington Commanders (No. 16), Lions (No. 18) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19) also might look to trade up if one of the quarterbacks starts to slide.

Even if the Texans want to look ahead to the 2024 NFL draft, when Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are projected to be top picks, they have no idea how good or bad they'll be during the 2023 season. They were in line to have the No. 1 pick for most of the 2022 campaign before a Week 18 win over the Colts dropped them down a spot.

The Texans might also prefer a defensive player with their top pick because of new head coach DeMeco Ryans. He played linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons and spent the past six seasons as a defensive coach with the San Francisco 49ers, including the past two as defensive coordinator.

Houston's first-round plans will become clear when the draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.