The Houston Texans are on pace to securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Having such a lofty selection will be the reward of whatever is the outcome of finishing out their 1-8-1 record. The high pick will also give Houston an opportunity to upgrade at starting quarterback.
According to Jordan Reid and Matt Miller from ESPN, each brought their own reasons as to where Houston should go at signal caller with Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young. Reid presented Stroud as the best candidate due to his similarities with other quarterbacks offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has worked with.
Reid: Yeah, Houston will do its homework on both passers. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton has had success with guys like Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert under center, and Stroud has some similar traits. At 6-foot-3, 218 pounds, he is a high-level processor with a fluid throwing motion and is excellent with taking what is presented to him, throwing 35 touchdown passes and just four interceptions this season. Stroud’s ability to see, react and attack coverages is the best in this class, and he is starting to run a bit more, too.
Miller had a more interesting take. Given that the Texans have somewhat of a paucity of talent across the skill positions — rookie running back Dameon Pierce notwithstanding — why not go with a quarterback who has flourished in a similar situation?
Miller: OK, but what about Young, my QB1 in this class? There will be a long debate about his size — he’s listed at 6-foot, 195 pounds — but there is no doubting his poise or clutch gene. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner hasn’t been surrounded by the talent we’re used to seeing in Tuscaloosa this season, carrying a team that lacks first-round prospects at wide receiver, tight end and every offensive line position. That’s something Stroud can’t say.
As the Davis Mills experiment winds down with six more games to go, the scrutiny will turn from the second-year starter and to a newcomer who could revitalize the position.
