With needs all over the place, the Houston Texans could go any way with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
This year will mark just the second time the Texans have selected No. 3, and the precedent is promising as they selected seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson in 2003.
Andre Johnson
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Andre Johnson
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Andre Johnson
But apart from Johnson, has the third selection typically been a successful landing spot? Frankly, no.
2012 – Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns
Not a great way to start this list.
Barring an impressive rookie season in which he racked up just shy of 1,000 rushing yards, Richardson’s NFL career was a disappointment. After a year in Cleveland, the former Alabama star played another unremarkable 29 games for the Indianapolis Colts. He left the NFL after the 2014 season and is currently playing for Caudillos de Chihuahua of Fútbol Americano de México.
2013 – Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins
Again, this selection might not provoke much confidence amongst Texans fans.
Jordan did last in the league until 2020, but during that span he was suspended one year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and only made five starts.
2014 – Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
A semi-successful pick, Bortles was never the franchise quarterback his selection clearly led the team to predict. However, he did start 73 games for the Jaguars and nearly led their renowned ‘Sacksonville’ squad of 2017 to the Super Bowl before losing the AFC Championship game to the New England Patriots.
2015 – Dante Fowler, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Arguably the player with the best longevity on this list so far, Fowler currently finds himself a member of Dan Quinn’s Dallas Cowboys defense.
Fowler has never made a Pro Bowl, but he’s had a solid career with 35 sacks in 91 games (40 starts) for the Jaguars, LA Rams, and Atlanta Falcons.
2016 – Joey Bosa, DE, LA Chargers
Finally a slam dunk pick.
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Bosa remains a formidable force and a key member of the Los Angeles Chargers defense. The 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has reached four Pro Bowls in six seasons, racking up 58 sacks in 79 games (75 starts).
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Blake Bortles and Whitney Mercilus
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Dante Fowler and TJ Yates
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Joey Bosa and Brock Osweiler
2017 – Solomon Thomas, DE, San Francisco 49ers
And back down to earth.
To be blunt, Thomas has yet to live up to his draft selection. He started 25 games his first two seasons, but in the three since he’s only started five. Now on his third team in as many years, he’s hoping the New York Jets proves the place where he can thrive.
2018 – Sam Darnold, QB, New York Jets
Darnold was dealt a bad hand when drafted by the Jets, who have only had one winning season since 2010.
Hardly a place where he could flourish, his progress has floundered and he currently plies his trade with the Carolina Panthers and an almost afterthought starter.
2019 – Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets
A solid and productive starter who we may yet see the best of, Williams has recorded 15.5 sacks in 41 games (37 starts) on a team that, as previously mentioned, hasn’t performed well in recent years.
2020 – Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions
Okudah’s career has been stunted by injuries, spending time on injured reserve in both 2020 and 2021 and being limited to just 10 appearances (seven starts).
It’s too soon to tell if he can be classified a bust.
2021 – Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Lance was, and perhaps still is, considered a work-in-progress when he entered the league. As such, he backed up Jimmy Garoppolo for the majority of his debut season, making six appearances (two starts).
As if by fate, his best game thus far came against the Texans in Week 16, leading the 49ers to a 23-7 victory, passing for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
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