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As Week 13 comes to a close in the 2022 NFL season the Houston Texans are projected to finish with the league’s worst record, meaning they will be rewarded the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Texans are in line to have the most picks in the draft as of today with 11 selections overall. This includes two first-round and two third-round picks, as Houston could make five selections within the top 100 and give a necessary rebuild the jumpstart it desperately needs. At the end of the 2021 season it appeared that the Davis Mills project was headed in the right direction, but little to no improvement this year is enough to confirm that the Texans need a quarterback. Luckily for Houston, they can select any quarterback in this very talented upcoming class. No pressure, right? Let’s take a look at who would make the most sense to take first overall and turn Houston back into the competitive franchise it once was.
1. Bryce Young – Alabama
After getting small amounts of playing time in 2020 backing up Mac Jones, Bryce Young set fire to the world of college football in 2021. In 14 games he totaled 45 TDs with 4491 yards passing and a 67.1 completion percentage putting up a QB rating of 122.3. Young concluded his sophomore season as the Heisman Trophy winner and Associated Press Player of the Year. As his draft stock continues to rise, Young will continue displaying his skill set on the biggest stages before declaring for the draft.
Top Strengths
– Confident in the pocket, great accuracy when in rhythm
– Great leader respected by teammates and coaches
– Strong arm and is capable of making every NFL throw effortlessly. Drives deep out to the sideline from the opposite hash, threads the needle between closing defenders, and quickly gets the ball to all areas of the field demonstrating great touch on underneath routes to running backs and receivers, as well as down the sideline on deep passes.
2. C.J. Stroud – Ohio State
The Buckeyes superstar had a 2021 season just as, if not more impressive than Bryce Young’s. In 12 games Stroud threw for 44 TDs, 4424 yards with a completion percentage of 71.6 for an average of 10.0 yards per pass, and a QB rating of 130.8. This Ohio State attack was the best statistical offense in the nation in terms of total offense and scoring offense as well as third-best in overall passing offense. Stroud has faced more adversity than ever in the 2022 season after a tough home loss to rival Michigan, but the Buckeyes’ 11-1 record is more than enough proof that Stroud is not only ready for the next level but primed for success.
Top Strengths
– Smart signal caller and natural leader with a great ability to quickly cycle through reads
– Good arm power and elite ball placement on the quick slant. Good touch down the seam and on post-corner, flag routes to attack the defense both vertically and horizontally
– Pro quarterback frame at 6-3 218 lbs
3. Will Levis – Kentucky
After spending two seasons seeing limited playing time at Penn State, Will Levis entered the transfer portal where he ended up at Kentucky in the greatest decision of his young career. In 13 games, Levis finished the 2021 season passing for 24TDs, and 2827 yards with a completion percentage of 65.9 and a QB rating of 97.8. The Kentucky quarterback has seen a major rise in his draft stock during 2022 as he was a major part in turning the Wildcats into a competitive SEC opponent.
Top Strengths
– Very accurate on intermediate and long passes; shows anticipation and perfect placement on intermediate out routes and the ability to lead receivers on deeper throws.
– Has an elite quick-release alongside fast information processing, making him an ideal fit for a West Coast-style offense
– Has well-developed footwork and experience operating from both the shotgun and under center with an NFL build at 6-2 232 lbs
No matter which direction the Texans go, it looks like Mills Mafia is coming to an end next season.
