New Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is taking part in his first NFL Scouting Combine in that role this week.
Speaking to the media in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Ryans covered a ton of different topics. However, Houston’s questionable quarterback situation came up several times.
The former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator did not hold back in discussing what the plans are at this position moving forward, telling reporters bluntly that we “have to add” to the quarterback position. Ryans went on to note that there is a “good group of quarterbacks in the draft and free agency.”
A third-round pick back in 2021, Davis Mills regressed big time as a sophomore. The former Stanford star threw 17 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in 15 games. He doesn’t seem to be the long-term solution in Houston.
Boasting the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and potentially significant cap room, Houston has a real ability to find a legitimate QB1. Below, we look at three options.
Related: 2023 Houston Texans mock draft
Houston Texans sign Jimmy Garoppolo
This is seemingly the easiest route for Houston to become relevant in 2023 after having won a combined 11 games over the past three seasons. Obviously, Ryans has a built-in relationship with Garoppolo dating back to their days together in San Francisco. The same thing can be said about new Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
None of that takes into account the fact that Houston general manager Nick Caserio was with the New England Patriots when they selected Garoppolo in the second round back in 2014.
- Jimmy Garoppolo stats (2022): 67.2% completion, 2,437 yards, 18 total TD, 4 INT, 103.0 QB rating
Despite his injury issues, Garoppolo would be an ideal placeholder quarterback in Houston. The team boasts an elite left tackle in Laremy Tunsil and one of the best young running backs in the game, Dameon Pierce. The pieces would be in place for Jimmy GQ to succeed as long as Houston finds more capable wide receivers.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL mock draft
Texans pull off NFL Draft trade, add a quarterback
The recent revelation that former Georgia star Jalen Carter is being charged in connection with a death of a teammate from earlier in 2023 throws everything for a loop heading into the draft. In fact, Carter is seemingly an option for Houston with the second pick.
Either way, the Texans are still sitting pretty with two first-round selections. That includes the No. 12 overall pick from the Cleveland Browns stemming from last off-season’s Deshaun Watson blockbuster trade.
Why not see what teams might be willing to offer up for the second pick? In this scenario, Houston could technically move down a few spots in the top 10 while adding future draft capital to the mix. It could then either target Will Levis (Kentucky) or Anthony Richardson (Florida) with the pick. Heck, one of them could be available with the 12th pick. For a team that’s not a single player away from contention, collecting even more assets makes sense.
Related: 4 offseason moves Houston Texans must make after hiring DeMeco Ryans
Houston Texans stand pat at two
This remains the likeliest scenario. Houston could still very well look to collect future draft assets by moving down from the 12th pick. Under this hypothetical, the team would be guaranteed either Alabama’s Bryce Young or C.J Stroud with the second overall selection.
In particular, Ryans spoke glowingly of Young during the NFL Scouting Combine, calling him an “outstanding” quarterback.
See exclusive Sportsnaut videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
With Ryans having signed a six-year contract to become the Houston Texans’ next head coach, his leash is about as long as any in the NFL. Adding a potential franchise guy with the second pick while signing a stopgap option makes sense. Free agents such as Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew or Baker Mayfield would work in this scenario.