Denver moved down in the 2025 sixth round, sending pick 197…
Denver moved down in the 2025 sixth round, sending pick 197 to Houston for picks 216 and 241. The Texans selected quarterback Graham Mertz at 197, while Denver chose punter Jeremy Crawshaw at 216 and tight end Caleb Lohner at 241. With only a limited professional sample available from these players, the exchange remains too young for a meaningful hindsight winner and is best graded evenly.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2025 6th round pick (216th overall, Jeremy Crawshaw )
- pick 2025 7th round pick (241st overall, Caleb Lohner )
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2025 6th round pick (197th overall, Graham Mertz )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During the sixth round of the 2025 draft, Houston moved up from No. 216 to No. 197 by sending Denver both No. 216 and the 241st selection. Houston used the acquired pick on Florida quarterback Graham Mertz. Denver selected Florida punter Jeremy Crawshaw at 216 and Utah tight end Caleb Lohner at 241.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver chose quantity and roster specificity. Crawshaw was drafted to compete for a specialist role, while Lohner represented a developmental tight-end projection with unusual athletic traits. Receiving two selections for one late-sixth-round slot gave Denver another opportunity without moving out of the draft entirely. That is sensible value, but neither player's long-term NFL outcome is established enough to support a strong retrospective grade.
Houston Texans Return
Houston consolidated two late choices to target Mertz, a quarterback with extensive college starting experience. The positional upside of any drafted quarterback can justify a move up, especially at this stage of the draft, but a late-round quarterback must eventually earn meaningful snaps to create a decisive advantage. The available professional sample is still too limited to claim that outcome.
Value in Hindsight
This trade occurred recently enough that forcing a winner would confuse projection with completed value. Denver gained an extra selection and filled two developmental roster spots. Houston used the higher choice on the most valuable position in football. Both approaches were defensible, and the eventual answer depends on careers that are still unfolding.
Final Verdict
The grade remains C+/C+ and the verdict is Even Trade. Denver's extra selection provides modest structural value, while Houston's quarterback swing offers greater positional upside. There is not yet enough established NFL production to move either side above the other.