Latest news with #Caserio
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans GM Nick Caserio breaks down C.J. Stroud's offseason growth
Texans GM Nick Caserio breaks down C.J. Stroud's offseason growth C.J. Stroud's growth in 2025 could be the reason why the Houston Texans take the next jump forward in AfC contention this fall. The Texans posted back-to-back 10-win seasons under Stroud's watch. They won the division each year and a playoff game, orchestrated behind a quarter of dominance from the former 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. But that's where conversations stop. In back-to-back divisional round losses, Houston's offense struggled to find consistency. Stroud also never found a ryhthm, leading to setbacks on drives and eventual dissolving moments of promise to pull away with a victory. Year 3 is somewhat of a prove-it one for Stroud under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. No, the former No. 2 overall pick won't be out of a job or alter the Texans' plans of his long-term future with the organization, but his execution could decide if Houston can be trusted as a legimiate playoff force in the future with teams like Kansas City, Buffalo and Baltimore. Texans general manager Nick Caserio is confident that his quarterback has only scratched the surface of his potential entering 2025. "He's very prideful," Caserio said on the latest episode of the 'Up and Adams Show' with Kay Adams. "He cares a lot about winning, and he wants to go out there and perform well on a weekly basis. And I think any player, every player gets frustrated when things don't go your way, but your ability to bounce back and have a certain level of mental toughness, to be able to handle what's in front of you." What version of Stroud is the real one? In 2023, he led the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio (5:1) while throwing for over 4,000 yards and completing 63.4 percent of his passes. Last season, the interception total doubled while his touchdown total decreased. A sophomore slump is common in the NFL as more film is put out on a player. It also doesn't help that Houston allowed the third-most sacks in 2025, including 52 against its franchsie quarterback. Caserio mentioned that the offseason acquisitions should help Stroud feel more relaxed in the pocket, but his mentality and drive for success will also be factors into his growth. "C.J. cares a lot about winning," Caserio said. "He's had a great offseason. He's been here, really, since February." "I think he's got the right mindset. He understands that we can all improve, and we can all get better, and this is what the offseason is for." The Texans return to practice for the start of rookie minicamp next week. Voluntary OTAs begin on May 26.
NBC Sports
02-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Nick Caserio: Texans tried to trade up before trading out of first round
Before trading out of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Texans tried to trade up. Texans General Manager Nick Caserio said the Texans were initially attempting to move up in the first round, but when they couldn't find a team in the top half of the first that wanted to move down, they started listening to offers and ended up taking the Giants' offer of a second-and third-round pick in 2025 plus a third-round pick in 2026 for the Texans' first-round pick. 'It was pretty fluid. We were kind of moving around. We were scheduled to pick at 25. We had a handful of players during the course of Thursday we felt comfortable picking. We tried to move up a little bit, it didn't really work out,' Caserio said on Up & Adams. 'At about the 18, 19, 20 range we started to get some calls about our pick, so we were putting the information up on the board. We had actually three different traded scenarios that were on the board at one time. We had trade scenarios, we were prepared to pick a player — you always have to be prepared to pick a player — and then we were on the clock, and a pick before, I think when Minnesota picked at 24 and after they picked we were able to consummate the trade with the Giants, so we scooted back there to the second round and then had the second pick there to start Friday. Houston ended up with nine draft picks, and every pick the Texans made had been traded, cementing Caserio's status as one of the draft's most aggressive traders.
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals multiple options were on the table for a Round 1 trade up
Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals multiple options were on the table for a Round 1 trade up Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals they tried to trade up in this year's draft, but traded out of the first round instead. 👀 — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 30, 2025 It wasn't surprising to see the Houston Texans move up and down draft locations last week throughout the seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. At this point, general manager Nick Caserio staying still feels more concerning and posititve given his track record. But the Texans seemed fully intent on moving up in the draft for an interior offensive lineman. Rumors speculated that Alabama's Tyler Booker or Ohio State's Donovan Jackson were favorites to join the AFC South squad after impressive Pro Days and top-30 visits. It takes two to tango, and the Dallas Cowboys reportedly wanted a second first-round pick to move down 13 spots. Even though it would have only been one pick lower, the Minnesota Vikings were asking for a King's overhaul for Houston to move up and select Jackson. Given the pricing, the Texans dropped nine spots into Friday afternoon and selected Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins at pick No. 34. Yet, according to Caserio thought things could've ended up looking drastically different for the Texans if one franchise was willing to play hardball. During an interview on 'The Up & Adams Show' with Kay Adams, Caserio mentioned that the Cowboys were just one of several teams Houston caled to move up. "We were scheduled to pick at 25. We had about a handful of players over the course of Thursday that we felt comfortable picking," Caserio said. "We tried to move up a little bit. It didn't really work out, then I'd say in about the 18, 19, 20 range, we started to get some calls about our pick." The Texans still could have targeted Jackson at No. 25, but they were at the mercy of Los Angeles and Minnesota, two teams needing upgrades to the interior offensive line. One went with running back with Omarion Hampton at No. 22. Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals they tried to trade up in this year's draft, but traded out of the first round instead. 👀 @heykayadams | @nickcaserio — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 30, 2025 Two picks later, the Vikings took Jackson, leading to the Giants' trade up for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. "After Minnesota picked, then we were able to consummate the trade with the Giants," Caserio said. "So, scooted back there to the second round, and then had the second pick there to start Friday, and we were ready to go." Looking back at the draft, Caserio and the Texans didn't seem high on the offensive line class outside of the top 50 picks. Minnesota offensive tackle Ariontae Ersery was the only name the Texans seemed interested in on Day 2 and required a trade up 10 spots with Las Vegas for the selection to be finalized. The deal could be wise depending on how Higgins performs, but at least Texans fans realize that part of the reason Houston couldn't strike a deal for more linemen was because teams didn't want to play hardball.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans 2025 mock drafts: Who Houston is projected to take in Rounds 2-3
Texans 2025 mock drafts: Who Houston is projected to take in Rounds 2-3 The 2025 NFL draft is underway, and the Houston Texans didn't make a pick. They had one, but much like last season when on the clock at No. 23, they decided to pick up more draft compensation and shift down to Day 2. The New York Giants offered Houston two Day 2 picks and a 2026 third-round selection, thus pushing the back-to-back AFC South champions back nine spots. "We could have very easily picked. But when we looked at the time we just felt like that value for the trade made a lot of sense from a big picture, organizational planning," Texans general manager Nick Caserio said Thursday evening. "So, that's why we made the decision we did.' Huston still has some positions to address on Day 2, including offensive tackle, wide receiver, defensive tackle and interior offensive line. Luckily, they have five selections to address those woes and land potential starters along the way. Caserio anticipates another early run to kick things off on Day 2, where there are still some top prospects on the board, including potentially a player Houston would have taken at No. 25. "One of the players that we were talking about is actually still on the board, yeah," Caserio said. "Whether or not we actually pick the player, we'll see if that actually happens.' Here's a look at who the latest mock drafts have the Texans selecting in Rounds 2 and 3. 34. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: "Houston traded out of the first round and still lands a solid rookie starter in the slot. Burden III is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and offers instant impact as a returner. Houston can address their other needs with their four remaining picks on Day 2. DRAFT HUB: Live NFL Draft news, live picks, grades, analysis and more. 58. Wyatt Milum, OL West Virginia: "Houston traded down and got a receiver earlier on in Round 2 but spend their second pick upgrading the offensive line in front of CJ Stroud. Milum played tackle at West Virginia but projects best inside due to his short arms. With his athleticism and run blocking prowess, he could be a solid starter as a rookie.: 79. Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College 89. Edge Bradyn Swinson, LSU 99. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary 34. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: "C.J. Stroud needs protection up front, so offensive tackle could be an option for the Texans after they traded out of the first round. But adding a legit playmaker who gives off Deebo Samuel vibes feels like great value." 58. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona: "The Texans' trade out of the first round gave them the opportunity to address two serious needs with possible starters in Round 2. Savaiinaea is a versatile guard who would help keep Stroud upright." 79. Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State 89. Anthony Belton, OT, NC State 99. Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee 34. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota: "The Texans have a remade offensive line and traded the No. 25 pick only to see two tackles go after that spot in Round 1. Ersery is the best of the remaining pass blockers and has the upside to play left tackle long term." 58. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona: "The offensive line makeover shouldn't be done with the selection of Ersery early in Round 2. The Texans could land a powerful guard prospect who has experience at tackle in the 324-pound Savaiinaea." 34. Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M: "And inside-outside rusher to add more pocket-pushing depth in Houston." 58. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona: "We know the Texans still want to fortify the offensive line in front of C.J. Stroud." 79. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford 89. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson 99. CJ West, DT, Indiana 34. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: "Burden is an ideal 'five-tool,' multi-sport athlete for the receiver position in the NFL. The first-round talent is as well-rounded as they come, displaying the ability to succeed at any receiver spot in any offense. 58. Jared Wilson, OL, Georgia: "Wilson may be just a one-year starter, but he has the movement skills to be a starting center in the NFL if he can continue to improve his intelligence and anticipation with more snaps." 79. Vernon Broughton, DL, Texas: "Broughton needs to refine his hand placement and technique to become a more effective one-on-one winner at the next level. However, even in his current form, his length and strength provide valuable versatility as a two-gapping defensive lineman, with his best fit likely coming as a 3-4 defensive end." 89. R.J. Harvey, RB, UCF: "Harvey ranks well in PFF's wins above average metric due to high missed tackles forced averages as a rusher and a receiver and his production in the passing game. If he plays with more urgency and violence, he could be a productive NFL running back." 99. Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue: "Mbow is small and struggles with NFL-level strength in pass protection and when displacing in the run game. But he moves extremely well and should get a shot to start at guard or tackle at some point during his rookie contract." 34. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: "The Texans' hopes of adding an offensive lineman dissipated with a few late picks Thursday night. They'll gladly give another weapon to quarterback C.J. Stroud, and Burden's sudden, elusive play style generates explosives." 58. Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue: "The Texans were tied to offensive tackles and guards in the first round before trading down. Mbow is athletic enough to offer guard/tackle versatility, though his future is likely at guard." 79. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary 89. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee 99. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State 34. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary 58. J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State 34. Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona: 58. TJ Sanders, DL, South Carolina 79. Jared Wilson, OL, Georgia 89. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa 99. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson 34. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa 58. Jared Wilson, OL, Georgia 79. T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina 89. Mile Frazier, OL, LSU 99. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma 34. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State 58. Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia 79. Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M 89. Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas 99. Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans strike first on draft day trades by working deal with Browns
Texans strike first on draft day trades by working deal with Browns Nick Caserio is already wheeling and dealing. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns have made a trade involving Day 3 picks leading into the first round of Thursday's draft. Houston will trade its 2025 fifth-round pick (166th overall) and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Cleveland in exchange for two 2025 sixth-rounders (179th and 216th overall) and a 2025 seventh-rounder (255th overall). This isn't the first time the Texans have made a trade with the Browns. Caserio might best be known for his swindling of the deal with Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson for three first-round picks, including the one to land defensive end Will Anderson Jr. in 2023. The Texans now own nine picks in this year's draft compared to the previous seven. Knowing Caserio, those picks will likely last for less than half of Thursday or Friday night.
