Houston Texans’ Mock Draft: No quarterback at #2?

Reports are swirling that the Houston Texans might not take a quarterback with the second overall pick in 2023. How should they approach this draft?  For a while now, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the Texans would draft a quarterback with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, that does not appear to be the case.  The Texans don’t seem to be sold on the quarterbacks not named Bryce Young, and Will Anderson appears to be their target.

Could the Houston Texans shock everyone and not take a quarterback?  Could they even trade down?

Houston Texans’ Mock Draft: No quarterback at #2?

2nd overall pick: Traded to LV for pick 7, 38, 70, RB J. Jacobs, WR H. Renfrow

So, the Las Vegas Raiders offered an absolute haul for the second overall pick, one that the Texans cannot refuse.  Houston wanted to stick around and draft Will Anderson will this pick, but this haul presented to them is enough to pull the trigger and trade down from their second overall pick.

7th overall pick; Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama

And wouldn’t you know it?  Will Anderson is available at 7.  In this mock draft simulation, the Texans strike gold.  They move down five slots, still get their guy, and still have a second first round pick coming up soon.  Will Anderson will be a 10 year starter for the team.

12th overall pick: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

I had another offer to trade down, but I stuck at 12 and took a day one starter in Skoronski, who could make a living for himself at guard or at tackle.  He’ll start at right tackle and go from there.

33rd overall pick: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida

At pick 33, the Texans select O’Cyrus Torrence from Florida, which could put the finishing touches on what could be an elite offensive line.  Torrence is another day one starter.  I’d be interested to see if they’d bump him to center, honestly.  They acquried Shaq Mason in the offseason and have Kenyon Green at their other guard spot.

38th overall pick: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Hendon Hooker fell into my lap with the 38th overall pick.  It’s hard to pass this opportunity up.  Hooker is a wildly intelligent player.

65th overall pick: Marvin Mims Jr, WR, Oklahoma

70th overall pick: Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

73rd overall pick: Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

104th overall pick: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State

161st overall pick: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri

188th overall pick: Jalen Graham, LB, Purdue

201st overall pick: Max Duggan, QB, TCU

203rd overall pick: Ja’von Hicks, S, Cincinnati

230th overall pick: Nesta Jade Silvera, DT, Arizona State

259th overall pick: Kemari Averett, TE, Bethune Cookman

RB J. Jacobs

WR H. Renfrow

Well, take a look at this haul.  Where do we even start?  They have 14 draft picks in this mock and also add two elite players in Josh Jacobs and Hunter Renfrow.  The Houston Texans fills the remaining needs on their roster.