Some mock drafts have the Houston Texans using their No. 12 overall pick in Round 1 to take a receiver, cornerback, or even edge rusher. There are just some positions that don’t make sense, such as running back, linebacker, or safety.
According to Patrick Conn from the College Sports Wire, who released the third version of his mock draft, one position that should still be on the table for the Texans at No. 12 overall is offensive line. Houston uses that pick to take Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence after grabbing Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with their No. 2 overall pick in Round 1.
With their first pick, the Houston Texans went the route of quarterback. Using a pick from the [Cleveland Browns] trade, the team can address protecting their investment with the best interior lineman in the draft.
Houston would have an immensely fortified offensive line with Torrence. Even if just for a season, the Texans’ bookends would be Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and former first-rounder Tytus Howard. 2022 first-rounder Kenyon Green would man the left guard spot, and presumably Torrence would be next to Howard. All the Texans would have to do is solve the center position, which they ostensibly have with Scott Quessenberry, who made 16 starts at center following the sudden retirement of Justin Britt after Week 1.
The Texans would have quality investments up front and the dividends would be evident somewhere on offense. Surely the collection of four first-rounders would be able to clear running lanes for running back Dameon Pierce, or provide adequate protection for Young.
Torrence would give Houston position flex as well in case they wanted to let Howard walk at the end of the 2023 campaign, when his contract expires. Green has the ability to kick out to tackle, and could take over for Howard. The Texans would still have premium talent along the interior with Torrence in such a scenario.
