The Houston Texans are picking No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL draft. Presumably their guy is Bryce Young, pending the No. 1 overall picking Carolina Panthers aren’t also eyeing the Alabama quarterback.
Young has been linked to the Texans throughout last season, but the move makes sense beyond the tangential connections of general manager Nick Caserio and the nascent Crimson Tide pipeline.
According to Michael Renner from Pro Football Focus, Young has two superlatives: best decision maker and best outside of structure. The decision-making would make him an ideal fit in new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s scheme.
Young’s decision-making not only shines in his ability to create big plays but also in his ability to take care of the football. He posted a 2.0% turnover-worthy play rate in each of the past two seasons. That was the second-best figure in college football over that span. Of course, Young’s decision-making also shines through in his 93.0 passing grade over the past two seasons — tops in the draft class.
So you're telling me Bryce Young was only 5-10 and 1/8th of an inch when he went 25-43 for 412 yards and 3TDs to beat the best collegiate defense of the past decade? https://t.co/TwiqJD2oUk pic.twitter.com/Ed0rUL0JcD
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) March 4, 2023
However, the superlative of “best outside of structure” would benefit the Texans, too. If a play breaks down, Young would be able to cultivate something positive out of the situation. Perhaps it is part of what also makes him an ideal decision maker.
This one was the biggest no-brainer on the list. Young is as good as you’ll ever see from a college prospect in this regard. He led all quarterbacks over the past two seasons with 11 passing touchdowns and seven big-time throws on out-of-structure plays.
bryce young mixtape pic.twitter.com/Hyl7cp8F2W
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) February 21, 2023
The Texans would also have the No. 12 overall pick in Round 1 to give Young another weapon to ease his insertion into an NFL offense.
