The Houston Texans landed the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after finishing 3-13-1 last season, winning their final game of the regular season. A last-second victory over the Indianapolis Colts might now have a dramatic influence on the team’s future.
Even after dropping from the first overall pick to second, many around the NFL still expected Houston to use its top selection on a quarterback. If either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud were still available, they would be the Texans’ starting quarterback in 2023.
- Will Anderson Jr stats (career): 58.5 tackles for loss, 34.5 sacks
Related: NFL source ‘less convinced’ Houston Texans draft a QB
However, the hiring of head coach DeMeco Ryans and recent NFL Draft rumors has changed the expectation around the league. Sportsnaut’s Benjamin Allbright reported on Thursday that he wouldn’t be surprised if Houston passed on a quarterback with the second pick.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Will Anderson Jr rated as the top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft and there is a legitimate chance they take him with the pick.
The increased chatter revolving around the Texans’ pick started immediately after reports surfaced that the Carolina Panthers will draft quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick. Houston reportedly isn’t high on C.J. Stroud and if Young is gone, the front office could go in another direction.
Trading down could be an option, with Houston taking advantage of a market with multiple quarterback-needy teams who want Stroud. However, drafting Anderson Jr would be the first step toward building a quality defense for Ryans.
Related: Will Anderson Jr scouting report
As Ryans witnessed during his tenure as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, there are multiple ways to win in the NFL. San Francisco boasts one of the best records in football over the last four years thanks to a strong running game and one of the best NFL defenses.
In Sportsnaut’s latest 2023 NFL mock draft, Houston traded down from the second overall pick and then used its top selections to bolster the defense. While that would mean starting Davis Mills in 2023, the Texans could trade back up into the first round to draft Hendon Hooker.
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With only days remaining until the 2023 NFL Draft, clarity on the Texans’ plans will be provided soon. One thing is for certain, the top-two picks aren’t nearly as predictable as everyone thought a month ago.