Texans Brandin Cooks Trade Makes WR An NFL Draft Need

With Brandin Cooks traded to Dallas, the Texans' offense sorely needs another playmaker for their incoming franchise quarterback.

When it was reported that the Houston Texans were showing interest in trading receiver Brandin Cooks, it was a rumor that made sense on paper for everyone.

Now, it that rumor has come to fruition, with the Texans trading Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys for a fifth-round pick in 2023 and a sixth-round pick in 2024 on Sunday.

However, the trade of Cooks puts the Texans in a position of needing to add at least one offensive weapon in the draft. Whether that happens with the No. 12 pick or in the middle rounds, a receiver or tight end just became an even bigger need. 

Cooks was the leading receiver for Houston last season with only 699 receiving yards, despite missing four games. Simply put, with a likely franchise quarterback being taken at No. 2 overall the offensive weapons are not good enough.

Yes, the Texans signed receivers Robert Woods and Noah Brown in free agency to add to the offense.

However, Woods is only on a two-year deal while Brown signed a one-year deal,  which means they are likely temporary solutions rather than the future star receiver Houston needs. 

Picking at No. 12 the Texans will likely have the chance to take the No. 1 receiver on their board - whether that be someone like Quentin Johnston out of TCU or Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State. 

But, the Texans have plenty of other needs and could opt to look elsewhere with the No. 12 overall pick. 

If they do look elsewhere, adding another pass catcher with pick No. 33 becomes imperative. 

At pick No. 33 they could either go the receiver route or possibly even a tight end, such as Luke Musgrave out of Oregon State - a big-body tight end who has flashed elite receiving skills in his time as a Beaver. 

In the Texans' favor, though, they have a bonafide star at the running back position in second-year back Dameon Pierce which will help ease the pressure off their young quarterback. 

Houston nailed the 2022 draft, adding multiple franchise cornerstone pieces to continue the rebuild. They're in a prime position to do so once again a year later, especially with two first-round picks. 

Adding another weapon for their new franchise quarterback is a must, though - as adding offensive playmakers on rookie deals to gel together will help further along Houston's return to contending in the AFC again.

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