Houston acquired quarterback Matt Schaub and moved from No. 8…

Houston entered the 2007 offseason still searching for stability at quarterback and targeted Atlanta backup Matt Schaub. The Texans acquired Schaub and the 10th pick while sending the Falcons the eighth selection plus second-round picks in 2007 and 2008. Houston then signed Schaub to a long-term contract, making clear that this was a franchise-quarterback bet rather than a competition move.

Schaub justified much of that faith. He became Houston's primary starter for seven seasons, threw for more than 4,000 yards three times and led the league with 4,770 passing yards in 2009. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and helped the Texans transition from expansion-era instability into a playoff-caliber organization. His tenure ended poorly after the 2013 season, but the club still received years of above-average quarterback play from a player who had barely started in Atlanta.

The Falcons used the eighth pick on defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who never developed into the pass-rushing force expected from a top-10 selection. The 2007 second-rounder was much better: guard Justin Blalock became a durable starter and spent eight seasons opening lanes for Atlanta's offense. The 2008 second-round pick was later traded, creating additional draft flexibility rather than a direct long-term centerpiece.

Atlanta deserves credit for extracting substantial capital from a backup and for turning one of those picks into Blalock. That keeps the return respectable despite the Anderson miss. Houston, however, acquired the most valuable position in football and received seven years of starting service, including several high-level seasons. The Texans earn an A for solving quarterback for a meaningful era. Atlanta receives a B- because Blalock was excellent value but the top-10 miss capped the upside. Houston wins on positional importance and sustained impact.