Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans are on pace for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Part of the reason why Houston is set to pick first overall for the fourth time in franchise history is because of quarterback play. The Davis Mills experiment was shelved after a 1-8-1 record, and the Kyle Allen replacement has rendered an 0-1 result with six games to go.
With two first-round picks as well, it is safe to say Houston will be going after a quarterback with one of those selections.
Historically, first-round quarterbacks fail because of one of three things: immaturity, inaccuracy, and imprudence.
It is hard to imagine Alabama quarterback Bryce Young struggling with any of these in the NFL. If the Texans decide to go with Young, they would be working with an extremely high-floor prospect.
Immaturity
Young has handled his status as the first Heisman Trophy winner in the NIL era with ease. The leader of the Crimson Tide offense has navigated national publicity without ever finding himself in controversy while piloting college football’s top program.
This isn’t Baker Mayfield.
Inaccuracy
Young has a 65.6% college completion rate with an AY/A of 9.7. The 6-0, 194-pound field general is consistently winning as a passer. And even though he is running Bill O’Brien’s offense, Young is going all the way. The good stats aren’t a result of being a “checkdown Charlie.”
The film backs him up as a quarterback with elite ball placement and touch.
Bryce Young would make Nico Collins better, create a simpler transition for John Metchie and lower stacked boxes against Dameon Pierce. It’s that simple.
QB1 prospect here #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/tF7XTTZiPw
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) October 15, 2022
Imprudence
Above all, Young’s calm play and complete absence of panic inside and outside the pocket are why NFL teams will fall in love with him during the draft process.
The communications major has gone from 39 sacks to 16 this season despite almost halving his rush attempts.
Where it could go wrong
Young’s biggest knock during the draft process is going to be his size and the potential injury concerns that brings.
However, injuries are truly impossible to predict. Focusing on the known information points to a really safe prospect in areas that matter in the NFL.
