The 2023 NFL Draft cycle has been ramping up this week, and at the center of the chaos are the Houston Texans. The holders of the No. 2 and No. 12 overall picks can control how the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft unfolds. We’ve seen the Texans’ front office go against the grain in the past, so they’re considered a wild card once again in this draft.
We’re tracking the latest Texans news and rumors as we count down the hours until the draft kicks off and we finally know what’s next for the franchise.
Texans News and Rumors
The Will Levis Buzz Is Legitimate
Despite speculation that the Texans are befuddled with the decision, the most likely scenario is they either failed to fall in love with a quarterback and therefore want a defender, or they have a quarterback in mind. According to long-time Texans reporter John McClain, the Will Levis interest is there from Houston.
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Some of McClain’s reasoning is logical but also not from substance. McClain explained, “I just can’t believe Nick Caserio would pass up on a quarterback to take an edge rusher.” However, it was a similarly head-scratching move when the Texans general manager took cornerback Derek Stingley over Sauce Gardner one year ago.
Taking Levis over C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson would be a flashbulb moment for a franchise that has struggled to get it right for far too long. Either it will work out brilliantly, or terribly, but only time will tell. I’d expect a massive wave of criticism on social media if the Texans do take Levis No. 2, even if he does have qualities and traits that could lead to him becoming very good in time.
Texans Are Targeting a Defender at No. 2
The common theme throughout the Texans’ news and rumors is that everything is speculative. The latest rumor is one that has certainly gained steam. ESPN’s Todd McShay reported earlier this week that “it really sounds like” the Texans will pass on the available quarterbacks at No. 2 and instead take a defender.
The coinciding rise of Levis to become the favorite to be selected No. 2 makes sense, even if Houston is leaning toward taking either Tyree Wilson or Will Anderson Jr. The Colts are reportedly “in love” with Levis but are picking No. 4. The Texans could be baiting their AFC South rival to trade up.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager is buying into the Wilson-to-Houston chatter, saying new Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans wants a long, athletic presence to build his defense around. Wilson compares favorably to someone like Nick Bosa more than Anderson does.
The Texans Will Take a QB at No. 2
Every insider is getting a different read on what the Texans will do. While those more plugged in with scouts seem to feel Houston prefers non-quarterbacks, the higher-profile reporters have expressed the opposite. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said, “My thought the whole time has been that the Texans will take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick.”
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Are you confused yet? It makes sense if you are. But we’ve heard more buzz that Houston prefers Wilson over Anderson, has soured on Stroud, and they’ve been more connected to Levis than Richardson.
Those clues at least give us an idea that Houston may go with Levis or Wilson at No. 2, and then could potentially move up from No. 12 for a quarterback if they don’t take one with their first selection. All avenues are seemingly open.