Trading for Sean Payton, a look from the draft pick perspective

There’s lots of rumors floating about NOLA wanting two firsts for Payton and the Texans hinting they’re willing to pay. There’s no denying that he is a talented HC (the best available right now in my opinion) but it’s also obvious the Texans have a lot of holes to fill.

So, let’s look back at the Texans first round over the last decade and see who we’ve scored with our previous first round picks.

2013- D Hop. Obviously a stud and should still be a Texan (f**k you BOB)

2014- Clowney. Worth the pick but didn’t stick around after his rookie deal.

2015- Kevin Johnson. Bust at CB. Was cut after 2018, bounced around and is out of the league.

2016- Will Fuller. Never put together a 900 yard season. We didn’t resign after his rookie deal, Miami gave him a 1 year prove it deal, and now he’s out of the league.

2017- Deshaun Watson. Nuff said

2019- Tytus Howard. Ranked 34 of 76 tackles per PFF marking him as league average after three seasons. I’d say the jury is still out on this pick.

2022- Derek Stingley. Personally I can’t complain about his rookie performance.

2022- Kenyon Green. Decent in run blocking but struggled against the pass. PFF has him 57 of 75. Too early to pass judgment but we’re hoping he can improve.

All in all I’d say it’s been 50/50 on weather or not the first round picks have been successful. If the Texans make the deal, it’s not two guaranteed studs, although it is certainly two chances at getting studs.

Coaches are the same. Most people on this sub are wanting to go with a young coordinator. This can work (see the Rams Sean McVay) or it can blow up in your face (see Denver and Hackett). A good seasoned coach can be as valuable as an all pro QB or DE and can bring talent with them.

TLDR: is Payton worth two 1s? Yes. But signing him means a team like the Texans is going into a long (3+ year) rebuild. The question is, do you want to see the Texans play the long game, or do you want them to try to catch lightning in a bottle knowing there is a chance of getting burnt?