AP

The Texans surely are happy with receiver Will Fuller; they specifically traded up a spot to get him. But the Texans had another guy they really wanted.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Texans badly wanted former West Virginia safety Karl Joseph.

The Texans never got a chance to get him, because the Raiders surprisingly made Joseph the 14th overall selection — despite a torn ACL he suffered last year at practice. Joseph’s stock had been murky until recently, when it became clear that he was destined to be taken in round one.

The PFT simulated draft had Joseph going to the Steelers at No. 25. Unless they were ready to trade up, they never would have had a chance at him.

No one, in the end, had a chance to get him because the Raiders pounced when they had the chance to do so. If Joseph turns out as well as the team’s recent high-round picks have developed, the Raiders could soon be competing not just for a spot in the playoffs but for a spot in the Super Bowl.