While the Houston Texans may not take a quarterback with their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, that doesn’t mean they won’t target a signal-caller with one of their early selections in the annual event.
The Houston Texans have become one of the more interesting stories heading into this week’s NFL Draft. That’s because the team has the second overall pick on Thursday, yet they may not be going with the player many expected them to take.
Houston has a very obvious need for a long-term answer at quarterback. This year’s draft class has two signal-callers — Bryce Young and CJ Stroud — that many draft experts feel are worthy of being taken in the top five. However, over the last week, all signs are pointing toward the team instead selecting a defensive player with the No. 2 pick, instead of Ohio State star Stroud — the best QB expected to still be available at that pick.
It has made many NFL observers scratch their heads in confusion since QB is the most important position on the field, and if they can find a good option at that spot, they should probably take them. But there is also a large contingent of experts that have questions about prospects like Stroud, Young, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson. And there is a train of thought that selecting them so high in the draft may be a major reach based on the players they project to be at the next level.
Houston Texans record (2022): 3-13-1, last place in AFC South
That may be why the Houston Texans could go with defensive stars Will Anderson Jr., or Tyree Wilson since they are viewed as some of the best overall players in this entire class. However, what some may forget is the organization will be back on the clock at 12, and there is speculation that is when they could pull the trigger on taking a quarterback.
On Wednesday, NFL Media league insider Tom Pelissero reported on what the team’s plan for the opening round of the NFL Draft is rumored to be.
“There has been a belief over the last seven to 10 days within the league the Texans actually might be leaning toward taking a defensive player at No. 2. Whether that’s a Will Anderson or Tyree Wilson there, and then potentially coming up from No. 12 to go get a quarterback, as well.”
– Tom Pelissero
It will be interesting if the Houston Texans trade up to get a quarterback after passing on one at No. 2. However there is also a chance two of the four, including ultra-talented QB Anthony Richardson, could still be available at 12.