The Houston Texans have twin first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft. There is optimism about the direction of the franchise. Regardless of what happens with the quarterback picks to start off the draft, the feeling is the Texans will adequately solve their deficiencies under center.
According to Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network, who released his third mock draft of the offseason, the Texans settle on Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud after the Carolina Panthers take Alabama signal caller Bryce Young atop the draft. The DeMeco Ryans era will feature a former Buckeye under center with the No. 2 overall pick.
The Texans have some quality pieces in place on offense (including a franchise left tackle who just agreed to a contract extension) and Stroud should be able to hit the ground running as the Week 1 starter.
With the No. 12 overall pick — obtained via 2022 offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns — the Texans bolster their pass rush by taking Clemson’s Myles Murphy.
The Texans landed their franchise quarterback with their first selection, and now they can add a dynamic piece to their defensive front. Murphy has tremendous upside.
The Texans go with the quarterback-edge defender combination for their first-round picks. Where that leaves Houston entering Round 2 with the No. 33 overall selection is receiver. The Tennessee Titans grab Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 11 overall. The Seattle Seahawks take USC’s Jordan Addison at No. 20 overall. Boston College’s Zay Flowers goes the very next pick to the Los Angeles Chargers. TCU’s Quentin Johnston makes it as far as No. 27 overall before the Buffalo Bills scoop up the lengthy wideout.
Depending upon what the Pittsburgh Steelers do at No. 32 overall, it is likely the Texans will have a shot at Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt in this draft scenario. Within the Texans’ first three selections, they can effectively plug the last remaining gaping holes on their roster and have a fair shot at completing the rebuild.
