12 April 2023 , 15:40
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The Houston Texans could be set to make the shock decision to pass on a quarterback which could shock the top of the upcoming NFL Draft and pave the way for a host of first round drama.
The team have been long-projected to select their new offensive leader, particularly with a draft class that features four quarterbacks who analysts feel are worthy of spending a high first round pick on.
Ohio State's CJ Stroud is believed to be the man to go number one overall to the Carolina Panthers, while many believe Alabama's Bryce Young is the best prospect in the class and will go second to the Texans, if not the Panthers.
The Texans are almost certain to be looking to upgrade at quarterback, after Davis Mills struggled in his second year as starter, with both Jeff Driskel and Kyle Allen also seeing time in his relief.
Any of the four quarterbacks, Stroud, Young, Will Levis or Anthony Richardson would be seen as upgrades at the position of huge need for the Texans, who have two first round selections. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Texans may not even select one of those four players with the second pick.
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He reported: "There is a lot of conflicting information out there on what they will do at #2. It has been assumed that it will be a quarterback and I am not yet convinced that this will be the case."
Schefter indicated that the Texans could look to auction off the draft pick to a team willing to draft up for one of the quarterbacks.
Bryce Young or CJ Stroud will be available for the TexansThe Titans, Raiders, Commanders and Buccaneers have been rumoured to be interested in trading up, with the Arizona Cardinals reportedly also interested in moving back.
Houston does have a lot of roster needs to address, and could hugely aid that by trading down and acquiring more draft picks - potentially looking to the 2024 draft to find their quarterback, featuring highly-touted prospects Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.
If they do not find a partner to trade down, Schefter has also suggested that they could consider drafting a defensive player with the second overall pick.
Alabama's Will Anderson Jr and Georgia's Jalen Carter are seen as the best two defensive players in the draft, and could go in the top five this year along with the quarterbacks.