Despite being no longer a part of the organization, Deshaun Watson is still influencing the Houston Texans’ decision making.
According to NFL Media’s Peter Schrager and ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, the Texans could pass on Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft because of his relationship with their former franchise quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Both Stroud and Watson share the same agent.
With Bryce Young favored to go first overall, the Texans would have a shot at Stroud at No. 2. However, they might not want to touch him because of the reason noted above.
David Mulugheta of Athletes First represents both players and managed to land Watson a mega deal with the Browns in spite of all his legal worries, so he must be good at his job. The Texans aren’t thought to be keen on the possibility of a second disappointment, however.
Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Florio claimed that there’s still bad blood between Mulugheta and the team stemming from the quarterback asking to leave.
“It was an ugly, nasty process and who knows what was said between executives and agents back when Watson made it clear he wants out and there were some strong feelings,” Florio said.
The 2023 NFL Draft is next Thursday.
