Texans Draft Franchise QB, Fortify OL in Latest NFL Mock
Despite finishing their season with a disappointing 3-13-1 record, there is reason to be optimistic moving forward for the Houston Texans.
They hit on multiple franchise cornerstones in the 2022 draft, with the duo of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre anchoring the secondary and running back Dameon Pierce showing he can be a lead back in the offense.
Now, as they turn their attention to the 2023 draft, they do so with two first-round picks. With those two picks, CBS Sports believes the Texans will add two more offensive pieces.
Rd. 1 Pick No. 2 - Bryce Young - QB (Alabama)
Bryce Young might be historically undersized by successful NFL QB standards, but we don't care. He's been that good for Alabama, dragging that team to victory just about every week. And he did it with none of the playmakers that made life so much easier for Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones in previous years.
While Davis Mills was serviceable for Houston, there is no doubt that drafting Young could secure the Texans their new franchise quarterback. During his three seasons at Alabama Young won the Heisman as a sophomore, finishing his career with 8,356 passing yards and 80 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions.
Some might be skeptical about drafting an Alabama quarterback, but the success of Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts this season in the right system shows to not scout the helmet.
After adding Young with the No. 2 overall pick, in this mock, the Texans fortify the offensive line for their new franchise quarterback.
Rd. 1 Pick No. 12 - Peter Skoronski - OT (Northwestern)
Peter Skoronski is solid and consistent, which are two of the best things you can say about an offensive lineman. The biggest issue he'll face during the pre-draft process will be arm length and whether his NFL future is at tackle or guard.
Not only would Skoronski help protect Young, but he would also allow Pierce to build off of a successful rookie season which would be huge for the Texans' offense.
There will be plenty of mock drafts between now and the actual draft in April, as is the case every offseason. If the Texans walk away from the first round with Young and Skoronski, though, it would go a long way in furthering the rebuild.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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