INDIANAPOLIS — Much was made of the Houston Texans being the “Patriots South,” but since the 2022 NFL draft the club is becoming “Alabama West.”
The Texans took Crimson Tide wideout John Metchie in Round 2 and linebacker Christian Harris in Round 3.
If Houston takes quarterback Bryce Young in the 2023 NFL draft, which is likely the club’s course of action with its No. 2 overall pick in Round 1, then Big Al may be as commonplace as Toro inside NRG Stadium.
Young met with the media Friday at the NFL combine and expressed his satisfaction in playing with Metchie and Harris in the NFL.
“Obviously I love Christian Harris, John Metchie,” Young said.
Metchie did not play his rookie season as he battled leukemia, and his availability for the 2023 campaign is not a guarantee. The 5-11, 187-pound receiver caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 with Young as his quarterback.
Nevertheless for Young the focus is on handling the aspects of his entrance into the NFL that are within his control, and which team drafts him is not among those functions.
Said Young: “For me, were I end up is something I can’t control. I’m going to give my all to whatever team it is that takes me. I’m just super excited to be here. It’s my dream to play in the NFL and to be able to be here for whatever team I’m taken by is a blessing.”
If the Texans take Young, fans will have to wait and see if “Yea, Alabama!” is part of Houston’s new pregame ritual at NRG Stadium.
