Houston Texans Trade for Quarterback Graham Mertz in NFL Draft

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Texans selected Florida quarterback Graham Mertz with the 197th pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26. The Texans traded their 216th and 241st picks to the Denver Broncos to secure this selection.

This trade marked the fifth transaction the Texans executed during the draft. With the addition of Mertz, the Texans now hold the 197th, 224th, and 255th picks remaining on Day 3 of the draft.

Mertz, noted for his strong arm and play-making abilities, joins a Texans team looking to strengthen their quarterback lineup. Earlier on the same day, the Texans also drafted Penn State safety Jaylen Reed with the 187th overall pick. Reed completed an impressive college career, starting all 16 games last fall and recording 98 tackles alongside three interceptions.

Texans General Manager Nick Caserio has been active during this draft. On the previous day, April 25, he traded the 89th and 236th picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for the 102nd and 142nd picks. Earlier that day, Caserio selected Aireontae Ersery, an offensive lineman from the University of Minnesota, with the 48th overall pick.

In a notable selection, Houston took Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins with the 34th pick. Higgins had an outstanding season with 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns. He expressed his excitement about joining the Texans, stating, “I just feel blessed. I got that call and my family and me, we were just super excited.”

The Texans currently have a total of ten selections in this year’s draft, with the next pick coming in the second round at 58th overall.