Texans Mock Draft: Houston Collects Offensive Weapons in First Round

The Houston Texans finished 2022 with a 3-13-1 mark, winning two of their last three games. That unexpected finish lost the team the first overall pick in this April's NFL Draft, as the Chicago Bears finished 3-14, losing their last 10 contests.

Instead, the Texans own the second overall pick along with the No. 12 pick from Cleveland, obtained in the Deshaun Watson trade.

But with so many holes in the roster, there will be opportunities to improve the club for 2023. With several quarterbacks to choose from, it's widely thought Houston will look to replace Davis Mills, who struggled much of his two seasons with the Texans.

Since the Super Bowl is set and the country is in a holding pattern until Feb. 12, mock drafts dominate the internet. Sports website The 33rd Team is no different, and they have their own thoughts on who the Texans will draft this April.

2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Houston resists the urge to move up one spot, preserves its draft capital and still get the top quarterback on their board. Stroud showed his full potential in the semifinals against Georgia. Of the top three quarterbacks in this class, Stroud may have the best combination of arm strength, touch and ball placement.

Preserving their draft stock should be important for the Texans after the Watson trade.

At the No. 12 overall pick, the team gets some help for their new young quarterback.

12. Houston Texans (From Cleveland): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Houston takes a playmaking wide receiver to pair with its new rookie quarterback. Johnston is our highest-rated WR in the 2023 NFL Draft and a top-5 player on our board. Houston comes away with a quarterback and mismatch WR without giving up any draft capital.

The Texans have deficiencies on both sides of the ball, but in this mock draft, they clearly think they can improve things on offense before defense.

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