'Not A Factor': Texans Respond to Top C.J. Stroud Question Ahead Of NFL Draft

According to general manager Nick Caserio, C.J. Stroud's agent, David Mulugheta, will not play a factor in the possibility of the Houston Texans not electing the quarterback prospect during the 2023 NFL Draft.

Coty M. Davis | Apr 27, 2023

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Houston Texans

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are on the verge of one of their most important drafts in franchise history on Thursday. And there is a possibility the Texans will pass on the opportunity to draft Ohio State's quarterback C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

And why? Texans general manager Nick Caserio is making one issue clear: Stroud's agent David Mulugheta is "not a factor."

Mulugheta's most prominent client is Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson — the Texans' former franchise star. Watson demanded a trade from the Texans days after the franchise hired Caserio and former coach David Culley in January 2021.

Following his trade request from the Texans, off-field legal issues forced Watson to wait 15 months before Houston could trade him to the Browns. And during the time the Pro Bowler spent waiting for a trade, the relationship between the franchise and Watson's representatives became rocky.

On March 18, Watson waived his no-trade clause in favor of the Cleveland Browns. Houston received a massive haul of draft picks in exchange for Watson.

Watson played four seasons for the Texans before sitting out the entire 2021 campaign. Houston drafted Watson with the No. 12 pick in 2017. In 54 career games played under former coach Bill O'Brien, Watson threw for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns while completing 67.8 percent of his pass attempts.

The Texans could avoid selecting Stroud or any quarterback with their first overall selection - indeed our intel suggests that is exactly what they will do. But we believe Houston's decision will stem from their desires to enhance their defensive front with the draft pick of Will Anderson Jr. or Tyree Wilson. ... and not from wanting to avoid another agent conflict.