For the third straight year, the Houston Texans are sending a different coach to the NFL owners meetings.
DeMeco Ryans took to the podium Monday at the Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. To no one’s surprise, the rookie coach fielded questions about the Texans’ options with the No. 2 overall pick.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has been associated with the Texans and the No. 2 overall pick, and the reigning NFL assistant coach of the year didn’t seem phased at all by potentially employing a smaller quarterback.
“For Bryce, I know it’s a lot, going on to talk about his size,” Ryans said. “The guy has done it at the highest level in college football and size hasn’t seemed to be a problem. I don’t see it as an issue because you watch the tape, and you put on the tape, and you see the kid play, and you see how smart he is. You see the anticipation. You see the accuracy. You see how this guy is calm in critical moments. When you see those things, size isn’t one of the factors that pop up on tape that’s like, oh, man, it’s a problem.”
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans on Bryce Young and QB size:
“The guy has done it at the highest level in college football and size hasn’t seemed to be a problem. I don’t see it as an issue… You see the anticipation. You see the accuracy. You see how this guy is calm in critical moments” pic.twitter.com/COdEo1ypMj
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) March 27, 2023
Young is by far and away the most popular mock selection to Houston by draft analysts and an overwhelming fan favorite to become the next franchise quarterback. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 and followed it up with an excellent 2022 campaign despite the losses of wide receivers John Metchie and Jameson Williams.
His height at 5’10” 1/8 and 204-pound weigh in have caused concern amongst NFL evaluators. There are questions as to how that frame might hold up in a faster, more violent league and if he has the strength for NFL ball velocity.
However, there’s no denying the immense talent and pocket presence that Young brings. His inclusion on the team would solidify an immediate young, talented foundation at both head coach and quarterback for Houston’s rebuild. Young would have the opportunity to work behind a re-vamped offensive line and weapons such as Dameon Pierce and Dalton Schultz.
Former franchise legend J.J. Watt has already endorsed the potential selection.
“If you’re the Texans or a team that might be trading up, does that 5’10” size immediately count out Bryce Young?”
“I guess Georgia’s defense is tiny… if you believe he is the best guy on your board don’t be scared.”
JJ Watt with some thoughts on BY pic.twitter.com/bDIwTK5B0X
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) March 17, 2023
Ryans indicated that the success Young had in the Southeastern Conference would merit consideration at the next level.
Said Ryans: “Again, you just look at the track record, see what he’s done in the SEC, highest level of college football he’s been successful, and I think he’ll be successful in the NFL, as well.”
It’s possible that the Carolina Panthers’ ultimately opt to take Young over Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, if the Crimson Tide product is available, it doesn’t seem likely Houston will shy away.
