The Deshaun Watson deal is finally over. The three-time Pro Bowler will continue his pro football career in a new city as he succeeds Baker Mayfield as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns.
The Houston Texans took in three first-round picks as part of the overall trade package that includes a total of five draft picks.
With the Texans picking at No. 3 and No. 13 overall in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL draft, it changes the complexion of how the first round will go in Las Vegas on April 28.
According to Luke Easterling from the Draft Wire, who released his latest mock draft following the Watson trade, the Texans will use their proprietary pick to take Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton No. 3 overall.
Houston then uses their No. 13 overall pick — thanks to the Browns trading for Watson — to grab USC receiver Drake London.
The twin first-rounders would allow the Texans to fix their backend and also provide second-year quarterback Davis Mills another weapon to complement Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins. The Texans have not had multiple first-round picks since 2004 when they took cornerback Dunta Robinson at No. 10 overall and defensive end Jason Babin at No. 27 overall.
The Jacksonville Jaguars take Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at No. 1 overall. The Detroit Lions fix their edge defense with the selection of Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 2 overall.
The New York Jets take North Carolina State tackle Ikem Ekwonu right after Houston selects Hamilton. The New York Giants also go with a tackle as they select Evan Neal from Alabama at No. 5 overall.
The first quarterback off the board is Liberty’s Malik Willis at No. 6 overall to the Carolina Panthers. The next quarterback off the board is Kenny Pickett from Pitt at No. 18 overall to the New Orleans Saints.
Among the picks taken after Houston selects London are Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (No. 14 overall), Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd (No. 15 overall), Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie (No. 16 overall), and Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green (No. 17 overall).
