In CBS' seven-round mock with trades, the Texans sell the farm to draft Patrick Mahomes:
Round Overall Player Notes
1 16 QB Patrick Mahomes II from Baltimore*
1 25 Traded to Baltimore
2 57 Traded to Baltimore
3 89 S Marcus Maye
4 130 Traded to Miami
4 142 CB Brian Allen from Cleveland
5 166 Traded to NY Jets from Miami*
5 169 ILB Blair Brown
5 184 TE Bucky Hodges from Miami*
6 191 OT Brad Seaton from NY Jets*
7 243 Traded to Baltimore
DE Sheldon Richardson from NY Jets*
The Texans are left in quite the pickle at quarterback, and you'd figure that if they can't find a potential starter in the draft, they'll have to turn to free agency to try and make one fit. So when Mahomes makes it out of the top 13 – which may be unexpected with several teams in the top half scouting the top quarterbacks -- Houston gives up the Nos. 25, 57 and 243 picks along with a 2018 fourth to leap up nine spots for the Texas Tech prospect. Coach Bill O'Brien reportedly likes him, so it's time to put those QB whisperer credentials to the test and turn the high-ceiling Mahomes into the starter for a Super Bowl contender.
The big trade keeps the Texans off the clock until late on Day 2 when they add a versatile safety in Maye who could start at either spot in Houston. In an attempt to recoup one of their picks, the Texans swap their fourth-rounder for two fifths, then use the first of those to land Sheldon Richardson from the Jets. Houston has the cap space to fit Richardson for 2017, and he gives the defensive line a huge talent boost while providing as a star insurance policy for J.J. Watt.
Aside from the talented veteran, the Texans land four depth players on Day 3: a big cornerback who needs work if he's going to develop into a starter, an inside linebacker with great instincts, a value tight end who would go higher in a less-stocked class at the position, and a potential swing tackle.
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