The Houston Texans have lost at least 12 games in each of the last three seasons. Their 3-13-1 mark in 2022 was second-worst and cost head coach Lovie Smith his job. Indeed, with an offense that ranked 31st in scoring and a defense that was 30th in points allowed, new coach DeMeco Ryans has carte blanche to blow the whole thing up and start over. 

The 2023 NFL Draft is a prime opportunity to begin fresh. The Texans own a whopping 13 picks, including the No. 2 overall pick from their own poor season and the No. 12 pick after trading QB Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns last offseason. 

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has used his resources of NFL contacts developed over 20 years covering the league and the NFL Draft to create his hypothetical NFL futures odds on who gets selected No. 2 by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

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Who Will The Texans Take In 2023 NFL Draft?

There isn’t much secret to the fact the Texans are going to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The question is, which one? And will that pick be at No. 2, or No. 1, or further down?

The Texans were rumored to be in the mix to trade the No. 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in a package for the No. 1 overall pick, mainly so another QB-needy team didn’t leapfrog over them and snag the QB they wanted. That didn’t work out, as the Carolina Panthers made Chicago an offer it couldn’t refuse. The Panthers are widely expected to take a QB at No. 1. 

Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is the favorite to go No. 1 to the Panthers on betting apps. If that’s the case – and who truly knows until Roger Goodell is at the podium – Alabama’s Bryce Young becomes the overwhelming top option for coach Ryans and the rebuilding Texans. 

Bryce Young Odds To Join The Houston Texans

Stroud has some teams drooling over his production and his tangibles. Young has others in awe of his leadership, decision-making and poise. Young led all of college football in passer rating over the last two seasons. He was an elite winner in high school and college, the kind of mentality Houston desperately needs from its on-field leader. 

If Carolina veers and takes Young, Stroud will likely wind up in Houston. He has the NFL size and accuracy that will make him a Day One starter. Young’s size – just 194 pounds, 13 pounds lighter than any other QB taken in the first round in the last 20 years – is the deterrent that pushes him down to No. 2. 

Will Levis of Kentucky has the strong arm and internal drive that has kept his draft stock in the Top 10. Anthony Richardson of Florida had some of the best numbers in NFL Combine history, but his lack of experience (one season as a starter) is a deterrent for some teams. Each will be taken Top 10 but it’s looking more and more like Stroud and Young go 1-2, in no particular order. 

Complete list of Texans 2023 Draft Picks

• Round 1 (Pick 2)
• Round 1 (Pick 12, from CLE)
• Round 2 (Pick 33)
• Round 3 (Pick 65)
• Round 3 (Pick 73, from CLE)
• Round 3 (Pick 90, from DAL)
• Round 4 (Pick 104)
• Round 5 (Pick 161, from DAL)
• Round 6 (Pick 188, from NO)
• Round 6 (Pick 201, from MIN)
• Round 6 (Pick 203, from NYG)
• Round 7 (Pick 230, from NYJ)
• Round 7 (Pick 259)