Convenience Big Store: Texans get busy tonight after sitting out first round of NFL draft

Today's starting lineup

Despite rumblings about the Texans trading back into the first round, they sat out the first night of the NFL draft Thursday and get started tonight. The first round saw a wave of offensive players drafted. Jonathan M. Alexander explains why that's good for the Texans. Here's a recap of how the first round went down. C.J. Stroud, doing analyst work for Bleacher Report, chatted with new teammate Stefon Diggs in the latter's first public comments since being acquired by the Texans. Looking ahead to tonight's second and third rounds, we review the Texans' history of second-round picks and how the third round has unearthed some gems in recent years after a brutal stretch of busts.

A rough Astros series in Chicago concluded with a tight loss Thursday to conclude a sweep and leave Houston players talking about the 7-19 start as a "slap in the face." A bullpen letdown following Justin Verlander's start led to the Astros' fifth straight loss. The Astros did get some good news as Framber Valdez is set to return from the injured list Sunday in Mexico City against the Rockies.

Texas A&M defensive end Edgerrin Cooper is "ready to put on a show" when an NFL team drafts him this week.

UH's 2024-25 basketball schedule will include a visit from Butler.

Cecile Canqueteau-Landi, one of Simone Biles' personal coaches, is leaving for the University of Georgia, but will assist the legendary gymnast at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Stat of the day: 41. Years since six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the NFL draft. The 1983 class included three Hall of Famers in John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. The other QBs drafted were Todd Blackledge, Tony Eason and Ken O'Brien.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL Draft

Photo by: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

Setting up nicely

Several top prospects remain on the board in the second round of the NFL draft and the Texans should have plenty to choose from tonight.

Day 1 recap: How Thursday's first round of the NFL draft played out in Detroit.
'Easy to fall in love': New Texans receiver Stefon Diggs joins teammate C.J. Stroud for a draft show and makes his first public comments since being acquired by Houston.
Spotty track record: The Texans have made 19 picks in the second round in franchise history. Only five of those players have stuck around for a second contract.
Changing fortunes: After a long stretch of third-round draft miscues, the Texans have hit on their recent picks in that round.
In elite company: Houston native Darrell Green will be just the fifth player in Washington football history to have his number retired.

Astros / MLB

Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros reacts as he is removed from the game during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 25, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Photo by: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

'Slap in the face' and 'gut check'

The Cubs completed a sweep of the Astros on Thursday, and the clock is ticking to start a turnaround MLB has not seen in 110 years.

Five and counting: Cubs prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong's tiebreaking two-run home run against Bryan Abreu in the sixth inning sank the Astros to their fifth straight loss.
See you in Mexico City: Framber Valdez is set to return from the injured list to start Sunday's series finale in Mexico City against the Rockies.
Hitting 1K: Astros third baseman Alex Bregman reached 1,000 career hits during Thursday's loss to the Cubs.
Add one more: The Astros call up Trey Cabbage to use as a 27th player for the two-game series against the Rockies in Mexico City.

College Football

Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) gets in the face of Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) after his is stopped short on a run during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Photo by: Sam Craft, Associated Press

'Ready to put on a show'

While staying the course with the Aggies through a tumultuous 2023, Edgerrin Cooper, one of the top linebackers in this year's class, is itching for his NFL shot as the draft resumes tonight.

A&M tight ends analysis: Donovan Green, who is back after a season-ending knee injury, and Fresno State transfer Tre Watson will compete for playing time under new OC Collin Klein.
Texas tight ends analysis: The addition of Alabama transfer Amari Niblack, along with veterans Gunnar Helm and Juan Davis, leads a solid group for the Longhorns.

College Basketball

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Butler coming to town

UH will host Butler next season as part of the Big 12-Big East Battle for the second matchup between the programs.

Olympics

Gymnastics coach Cecile Landi, watches her team practice during a U.S. gymnastics team workout at Stars Gymnastics Training Center on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Katy.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Leaving, but also sticking around

Simone Biles' coach Cecile Landi is leaving for the University of Georgia but will stay with the Spring gymnast through this summer's Olympics in Paris.

High School Softball

Tompkins relief pitcher Sam Crumrin, center, and teammates celebrate the team's win over Travis in a Region III-6A bi-district high school softball playoff game, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Fulshear.

Photo by: Eric Christian Smith/Contributor

Late surge

Tompkins rallies in the late innings to down Travis in their one-game bi-district playoff.

Pearland 10, Dickinson 0: A six-run third inning helped stretch Pearland's playoff winning streak to 12 games.
Lamar Consolidated 14, Waltrip 2: A six-run first inning powered Lamar Consolidated to a run-rule win over Waltrip.
Area roundup: Thursday's Houston area bi-district playoff scores and highlights.
Bi-district schedule: Houston-area high school softball teams begin the playoffs later this week.