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 12 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. 

RELATED: New England Patriots NFL Draft Odds

Who Will The Texans Take In 2023 NFL Draft?

There isn’t much secret to the fact the Texans are leaning 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. 

Alabama's Bryce Young 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 – Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud becomes the overwhelming top option for coach Ryans and the rebuilding Texans. If Stroud is taken No. 1, Young is the man in Houston. 

C.J. Stroud 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 indeed takes Young, Stroud could wind up in Houston. He has the NFL size and accuracy that will make him a Day One starter. One offensive coordinator compared Stroud to Joe Burrow. 

If Houston has its eyes set on one QB, and he's taken No. 1, it is possible the Texans wait to find a QB at pick No. 12. Will Levis of Kentucky and Anthony Richardson of Florida are expected to go Top 10, but crazier things have happened. Just ask Malik Willis, who was labeled a first round guy in 2022 before being selected in the third round. 

Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. has been compared to Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. He might be the transcendent star that Ryans, who has a defensive background, covets. 

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 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)