Everyone assumes the Houston Texans must take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Davis Mills was only a third-round pick, which likely meant lowering expectations, he hasn’t developed into a franchise solution after getting 26 starts at the lead gig. This shouldn’t come as a major surprise.
But now the Texans are in a prime position to land their QB of the future, with only the Carolina Panthers selecting ahead of them, with as many as four signal-callers expected to be top-ten picks.
We know for a fact one of C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis will be available with the second overall pick, and the Texans, aside from one name missing, will have their pick of the litter.
Yet, just because QB is the most-valued position in football, it doesn’t mean these specific prospects are the top-rated players on Houston’s draft board. Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., Georgia’s Jalen Carter could also make a massive impact in the trenches, where Houston lacks talent.
Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer says he’s no longer 100% sold that the Texans will stand pat and select a QB with their first pick. He notes it’s been “tough to get a read” on what Houston is planning, and he’s “less convinced” the pick will be a QB at No. 2. In fact, he suggests it could depend on whether Bryce Young is available, who he believes Houston has their eye on.
However, if Houston opts against taking a QB at No. 2, Breer expects the pick to be traded, likely to another team seeking to land their long-term QB1.
Thus, the Texans will have to weigh which is more important, securing their QB of the future now, when they’re available, or trying to land one later with the 12th pick, or even trying to see if Mills experiences a third-year leap while keeping an eye on next year’s crop of talent, which includes USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye. No matter what, it appears the Texans are keeping their options open when it comes to draft day.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft: Lions trade up for QB, Jalen Carter finds a perfect home