Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
Getty
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the NFL Combine.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio has been aggressive with his efforts to build and maintain the roster, and he has openly spoken about his intent to stick with that approach in the 2026 draft.
Caserio pointed to his history running the Texans, which has included multiple deals before and during the draft virtually every year.
The latest buzz around the NFL bodes well for Caserio & Co.
Texans GM Nick Caserio Gets Good News
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Caserio and the Texans have already made several trades this offseason, including deals that yielded running back David Montgomery and, more recently, linebacker Marte Mapu. There could be several willing partners when the draft finally rolls around.
Per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, “several executives” expect a “flurry of activity” in Round 1.
“The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources,” Schultz reported on X on April 8. “Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball — EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep — while WR is typically considered to be the most talented offensive position.”
“Additionally, because this specific draft lacks depth in the later rounds, many teams plan to pursue extra Day 2 and early Day 3 picks, per league sources.”
Jordan Schultz
The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources.
Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball — EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep — while WR is typically
“This is music to Nick Caserio’s ears,” the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander posted in reaction to Schultz’s report.
The latter portion of the report could be most relevant to the Texans, who traded out of the first round last season, allowing the New York Giants to move up for Jaxson Dart. Houston ended up selecting Aireonae Ersery in the second round with their first pick (48th overall).
Alexander said he would bet the “over” on three trades by the Texans in the 2026 draft.
“Nick Caserio has never made fewer than 3 draft-day trades in any draft since arriving to Houston in 2021,” Alexander posted in response to Over The Cap’s Troy Chapman.
The Texans have eight picks as of April 8. They own seven picks outside of the opener, with two picks each in Rounds 2 and 5. They are positioned to capitalize on virtually any situation should an opportunity present itself.
Nick Caserio Expects Draft Trade
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine.
Caserio has already expressed his willingness to reposition the Texans as needed during the draft via one (or multiple) trades.
“We’re picking 28th right now. That could change, knowing our track record, we’re moving around the board. We just create flexibility and optionality for ourselves,” Caserio said on “The Pat McAfee Show” in February.
“We try to take it case-by-case. So, we’ll deal with free agency. And then, once we get through free agency, take a little snapshot of the team. And then, once we get to the draft, honestly, we’re just picking the best players that we feel are going to help us over the course of our program.”
The Texans crossed off their needs with at least serviceable starters in free agency.
They can truly take the best-player-available approach, which also means their trade options are open, including if they see a target they like begin to slide closer into their range.
Texans’ List of Visitors Growing
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio walks on the field before a game.
Like every other team–and for various reasons–Caserio and the Texans have been getting closer looks at prospects in the 2026 draft class via pro days and private meetings.
They met with Indiana running back and national champion Kaelon Black on Wednesday, per Wilson. The Texans have also met with Missouri EDGE Zion Young, Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller, and Miami defensive back Keionte Scott.
UTSA’s Shad Banks has been invited to the Texans’ local pro day.
There are fewer than two weeks until the draft (Round 1 takes place on April 23). But Caserio and the Texans still have plenty of time to work through various trade possibilities.