5 NFL fan bases already prepping for the 2022 NFL Draft

Houston, you have a problem. Deshaun Watson or not, this still was a bottom-five roster to begin the season.

Nick Caserio might have a plan in place, but does that plan involve setting the fan base on fire? Watson is not expected to be at training camp and still is demanding a trade from the organization. Although it’s expected Houston will listen to offers, the 25-year-old quarterback must clear his name from the legal issues before a team will offer top dollar on the market.

Laremy Tunsil is a top 10 tackle, Brandin Cooks is an underrated receiver and Phillip Lindsay could bounce back for another solid season as the Texans lead back. Is there anyone else to be excited over offensively at this point? The team finished No. 4 in passing with Watson and No. 31 on the ground.

Without Watson, both should be bottom five.

Desmond King and Shaq Lawson should add value defensively, and Justin Reid is playing for a new contract. Outside of the trio named, perhaps, Zach Cunningham is the only other name to make a splash after leading the league in tackles. A new 4-3 scheme under Lovie Smith won’t hide the flaws in the secondary and the loss of J.J. Watt.

Houston’s offseason comes with mixed reviews at best, but there’s not a clear direction for the team. When that happens, you wind up with the No. 1 pick. And if you ask Vegas odds, the Texans are the frontrunners to be picking first next April.