While there is still plenty of debate regarding who will hear their name called first in this week’s draft, the Texans represent an interesting focal point with the third overall pick. Two of the top edge rushers are likely to be gone by the time they make that selection, but they will have a number of options, including at offensive tackle and cornerback. 
While general manager Nick Caserio has expressed a willingness to trade down from that slot, it is expected no team will move up into the top-five this year. That will leave them, in all likelihood, with the decision between Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu if they elect to pick their highest-rated offensive linemen. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports that the team has been “connected to Neal dating back to the end of the college football season”, leading in part to the plethora of mock drafts linking the two.
On the other hand, the class’ top corners remain in consideration. It was reported last week that Ahmad Gardner could end up being the team’s preferred selection. Given their stated desire to invest more in the position, that wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. What could raise some eyebrows is the team’s apparent preference of Derek Stingley Jr. over Gardner as the top corner. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (on Twitter) that the Texans have done a significant amount of homework on the LSU alum; likewise, ESPN’s Todd McShay adds that Stingley is believed to be higher on Houston’s board than Gardner.
An edge rusher such as Kayvon Thibodeaux cannot be completely ruled out at No. 3, but a tackle or corner seems to be the more likely scenario at this point. In a year dominated by uncertainty, though, which prospect at those positions Houston will lean towards will remain to be seen until Thursday night.
Texans trying to get the Jets or Giants to trade up to get Gardner.
Jets trade the 10 for the 3 and grab Edge and Sauce!
They should hold onto their picks and let the board come to them.
Saleh and the jets place a lot more emphasis on the defensive line. If the jets trade up for 3 it would be to grab 2 of walker, Hutchinson, thibs. I don’t think 2 of them will be available but who knows in this draft.
That may be what they’re doing, but Lovie Smith is a defensive coach who definitely wants better play out of the secondary. Thing is, that is partially a reflection of the inconsistency in the rush up front, so the Texans could improve one by improving the other. Of course, Lovie’s comments could be heartfelt and also a smokescreen. I don’t doubt that the Texans would be happy with Gardner, but they’d be happier with moving down one space, getting Neal, and giving up Gardner to the team who trades up. After all, they could end up with Neal and, say, Stingley in that scenario.
Sauce might well be the best player in this draft. I think he’s the best CB prospect since Ramsay and he might be a slightly better prospect than Jalen with a little more size and turnover production.
He doesn’t have a size advantage on Ramsey. A tick of height, but same wingspan and less muscle. I do love Gardner’s potential, though. Stingley could also be a generational corner and best player in the draft if he can look like he did as a freshman.