Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio shored up the roster throughout the first wave of free agency, but there are still areas of concern.
The Texans could still use a quarterback, receiver, and edge rusher, and smart money says the team will address the positions in the 2023 NFL draft, where Houston holds 12 picks and the largest capital.
According to Chad Reuter from NFL.com, the Texans indeed remedy quarterback with their No. 2 overall pick as Alabama’s Bryce Young starts his career with the last place finishers in the AFC South a season ago.
The Texans use their No. 12 overall pick — acquired via 2022 offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns — to provide an adequate receiving threat in USC wideout Jordan Addison.
Trading Brandin Cooks leaves the door wide open for the Texans to select the smooth, quick former Biletnikoff Award winner (top college wide receiver). Addison’s game combines some of the traits/skills seen in two receivers selected in the top half of last year’s first round, Garrett Wilson (10th to the Jets) and Jahan Dotson (16th to the Commanders). His smooth routes and open-field quickness should allow him to contribute from the slot immediately.
Houston’s second-round pick is arguably as intriguing as its additional Round 1 selection. At No. 33 overall, the Texans are hovering near remaining first-round talent. If any falls through the cracks, Houston is in fabulous enough position to take it.
The Texans fix the pass rush with Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald. Ostensibly new coach DeMeco Ryans, who was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers the past two seasons, has his Nick Bosa.
In Round 3, where the Texans have Nos. 65 and 73 overall, Houston goes with Ohio State center Luke Wypler and Tennessee defensive end Byron Young. Wypler can challenge for the starting center job while Young can provide an effective complement as an edge defender.
The Texans go with Syracuse cornerback Garrett Williams at No. 104 overall in Round 4, which gives Houston a younger defensive back to possibly replace Steven Nelson when his contract expires at the end of the 2023 campaign.
