The Houston Texans can upgrade their passing attack in the first round, which would help their rebuild in a league centered around the offense.
According to Doug Farrar from the Touchdown Wire, the Texans miss out on taking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in Round 1 of his latest three-round mock draft. The Indianapolis Colts pull off the deal with the Chicago Bears for No. 1 overall to take Young. However, Houston selects Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud with the very next pick.
At No. 12 overall the Texans use their extra first-rounder — thanks via 2022 offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns — to select TCU receiver Quentin Johnston.
It may surprise some if new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans focuses on offense with his first two picks, but the former Houston linebacker and 49ers defensive coordinator is no fool — he knows where the most pressing needs lie. Now that Houston has its new franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, how about the addition of Johnston, the TCU star who needs a bit of refinement regarding the full route tree, but can spam enemy defenses at any level with his size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), straight-line speed, and freaky after-catch ability.
Houston would have a young triumvirate on offense with Stroud at quarterback, Dameon Pierce in the backfield, and Johnston lined out wide.
At No. 33 overall in Round 2, the Texans take Oklahoma tackle Anton Harrison, which would give Houston flexibility in the future with regards to their offensive line shuffling. The Texans could afford to let Tytus Howard go and elevate Harrison for the 2024 season.
In Round 3, the Texans go with Auburn defensive end Derick Hall at No. 65 overall and then take another defensive pick with Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 73 overall. Hall would give Houston an option should defensive end Jonathan Greenard not impress in his contract year, while Campbell would join a young linebacking corps that features Christian Harrison and Garret Wallow.
