The Houston Texans have two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft.
The picks are a chance for the Texans to get back to being respectable on the football field. As general manager Nick Caserio put the final touches on the roster in free agency, the only big areas that could stand to have heavy capital thrown their way include quarterback, defensive end, and receiver.
With just two Round 1 selections yet three positions of need, it will be a game of musical chairs on April 28, the first night of the draft.
What if quarterback is left standing after the music stops?
According to Jeff Risdon from the Draft Wire, who used to be the managing editor of the Texans Wire from 2016-18, the Texans use the initial Round 1 pick to take Alabama defensive end Will Anderson.
If I’m building the Texans to succeed under new head coach DeMeco Ryans, I’m giving him the best possible defense I can. Anderson can be an instant playmaker up front.
The fascinating part of taking Anderson at No. 2 overall is Bryce Young is on the board when the Texans pick. Clutch City sports fans are bracing themselves ahead of the draft for the possibility the organization goes with Anderson over a quarterback should Young not be there. Taking the defensive end over the former 2021 Heisman Trophy winner might send everyone in Houston into apoplexy.
Not only do the Texans pass on Young, they pass on the notion of taking a quarterback in the first round entirely. Houston selects Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the No. 12 overall pick.
Yes, I’m punting on a QB for the Texans. Adding in a playmaker like Smith-Njigba will make life easier in a year for the QB of the future, whomever that might be.
The problem with ignoring quarterback is it sends a signal that the Texans aren’t back to “win now” mode, and that would trouble Houston sports fans for the rest of the calendar year.
