As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, the Houston Texans are faced with a big decision: to draft a franchise quarterback or not. Typically, teams are expected to select a quarterback with the second overall pick. Still, the Texans’ current roster and future uncertainty may lead them to focus on other areas of need.
According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, the Texans have their sights set on Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Anderson is a highly touted prospect with a remarkable resume, including two-time unanimous All-American, two-time first-team All-SEC, and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. However, the Texans have also shown interest in Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who has impressed during his time with the Crimson Tide. But all signs are pointing towards the Panthers selecting Young with the first pick. With the former Crimson Tide QB off the board, the Texans may look to other positions of need.
If the Texans decide to pass on quarterbacks such as Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, and CJ Stroud, it will provide an opportunity for third-year starter Davis Mills. Mills was taken in the third round of the 2021 draft after the Deshaun Watson situation escalated. While Mills has shown some potential, he has yet to convince the Texans that he is the long-term option at QB. However, if the Texans do not take a quarterback in the 2023 draft, Mills could be given a one-year audition to prove himself.
During free agency, the Texans made moves to improve their roster by signing former Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Devin Singletary, who was previously with the Buffalo Bills. Schultz is a reliable pass-catching option who can help take pressure off Mills, while Singletary adds depth to the Texans’ backfield. The Texans also have a reliable option in the second-year running back Dameon Pierce, who closed out his rookie season with 939 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Despite the additions made during free agency, the Texans still have several holes to fill on their roster, particularly on the offensive line and defense. With two first-round picks, the Texans will need to be strategic in their approach to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Passing on a quarterback in the draft is a risky decision for the Texans, but it could pay off in the long run if they are confident in Mills’ ability to lead the offense. The Texans have made moves to improve their roster during free agency, but more work still needs to be done. Only time will tell if the Texans’ decision to pass on a quarterback was wise.
Is There A Plot to Select Caleb Williams in 2024?
Furthermore, the Texans’ decision to pass on a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft could be part of a long-term strategy to secure Oklahoma’s Caleb Williams in the 2024 draft. Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, is a highly coveted prospect and is expected to be one of the most sought-after prospects since Andrew Luck. However, any team interested in drafting Williams may need to secure the number one pick, often requiring a losing record.
If the Texans aspire to select Williams in 2024, they will need to position themselves accordingly. This may involve continued improvement of the roster, as well as strategic draft picks in the coming years. Either way, Mills will be in an all-or-nothing situation for the upcoming campaign. He is not the quarterback that new head coach DeMeco Ryans selected, and usually, new regimes want the signal caller they chose. With the right moves, the team could find themselves in a position to choose Williams and potentially secure their franchise quarterback for years to come.
