With the Carolina Panthers trading with the Chicago Bears for No. 1 overall, it is almost as certain as death and taxes the Houston Texans won’t be picking the first quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft.
Carolina agreed to trade two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and wideout D.J. Moore to the Bears for the opportunity to have the first quarterback off the board. In addition to jumping the Texans, Carolina also catapulted past the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons, all of whom could stand a franchise quarterback.
Prior to the move, Alabama’s Bryce Young was considered a wide favorite to be the first overall pick in the draft. However, Carolina’s presence at the top with new coach Frank Reich and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown has vaulted Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud as the new favorite to be the first quarterback selected.
Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud opens at -225 as the favorite to go first overall to the Carolina Panthers after their trade with Chicago.
Bryce Young is next at +175, Anthony Richardson +550 (Odds via @DKSportsbook)
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) March 10, 2023
Reich employed larger quarterbacks like Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, and Carson Wentz during his time with the Indianapolis Colts. After one of the best throwing sessions in NFL combine history, it appears they may be in love with the pocket passer who showed off on New Year’s Eve against the Georgia Bulldogs.
CJ Stroud is having one of the best throwing sessions I’ve seen at the Combine.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 4, 2023
The trade could leave Texans general manager Nick Caserio to take Young without having to trade any additional assets. Rookie coach DeMeco Ryans was very complimentary of Young while at the combine and there are clear ties organizationally to Alabama players such as John Metchie and Christian Harris who were drafted last season.
There are rumors that Young is the top quarterback of the Texans. If so, it would be quite the heist that Houston did not have to trade up for their ultimate target. Fans will have to wait and see who Carolina ultimately lands on for the draft pick. The decision is now far outside of Houston’s hands.
