A potential first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, is expected to meet today with the Houston Texans. As they continue the search for their quarterback of the future, what is the latest news surrounding Young, who many have tabbed as the No. 1 overall pick?
Bryce Young Meets With Houston Texans
While the Texans might have the No. 2 overall pick, they’re doing their due diligence in the lead-up to the 2023 NFL Draft by having former Alabama quarterback — and possibly No. 1 overall pick — Bryce Young in for a top-30 visit.
In addition to bringing in Young, the Texans also met with C.J. Stroud last Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KIRC Channel 2 news in Houston. Earlier in the process, Houston also brought in Will Levis for a visit and planned to bring in Florida’s Anthony Richardson as well.
According to Wilson, when speaking with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans at the NFL meetings in Phoenix, Ryans referred to Young as an outstanding quarterback.
MORE: 100% FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
While Houston doesn’t directly control their fate, it’s widely speculated that all signs point to the Texans selecting a QB at No. 2.
Houston finished the 2022 season with a 3-13-1 record under former head coach Lovie Smith. The offense was 30th in points per game, 24th in passing, and their defense set 27th.
The last time Houston won more than four games in a season was in 2019 when they finished the regular season 10-6 and in first place of the AFC South, yet lost in the Divisional Round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Could Young Help Turn Around Houston?
The Texans have a long road in front of them if they want to get back to competing for the AFC South and even further if they’re going to compete in the AFC against the likes of the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Given the likelihood the Texans select a quarterback with their first pick, it’s easy to have expectations that could be unrealistic for how quickly the turnaround could happen. However, that’s not happening with Ryans.
“It’s exciting for us to have the No. 2 pick,” Ryans said in his Tuesday press conference. “But it’s also, at the same time, there’s no pressure where the young man is picked. I think it’s unfair to ask a guy, just because you’re pick No. 2 overall, you have to come in, and you’re the face of our franchise, and you’re the leader.
“That’s unfair to the guy, and I’m not going to put that type of weight on the shoulders of whoever it is that we pick. That’s not what we’re anticipating. That’s not what we’re expecting him to do.
“We’re expecting him to come in, be a great teammate, work hard, be deliberate in what you’re doing, and have a mindset to get better each and every day. That’s the mindset, no matter if it’s pick [No.] 2 or the last pick of the draft. It really doesn’t matter when you get picked. Leaders, those guys will grow based on our team. And each team is different. We have leaders in our locker room already. So, I’m not asking a guy to come in and be the savior for our team. I’m asking a guy to come in and put his head down and just work.”
Truth be told, this entire statement is nothing but a breath of fresh air. Far too often, we’ve seen young, talented quarterbacks with bright futures thrown to the wolves too early to appease fan bases, owners, or coaches attempting to keep themselves off the hot seat.
There’s a reason some teams tend to draft higher than others. Because there are more holes on the roster than simply one player can fix, this will likely be part of the message Ryans will pass along to whichever QB steps in the facility’s doors following the draft.
Houston needs to accumulate talent while building the correct environment around likely Young or Stroud to flourish and become the quarterback many have said was destiny for the last three years.
Who Is QB1 of the 2023 NFL Draft?
Adding to the offseason drama is the question sitting on top of every fan, coach, and GM right now. Who is QB1?
This is certainly a conversation happening in Houston and why they have plans to bring in all of the top four quarterbacks. Carolina appears to be the wild card after trading for No. 1 and is likely in the exact same market as Houston in their search for a franchise-altering QB.
Richardson has unquestionably stolen the show and the momentum during the last few weeks, but it appears to be deadlocked between Young and Stroud.
Stroud was a pillar for Ohio State’s offense as a three-year starter. Throwing 41 touchdowns with only six interceptions last year, Stroud checks every box, including the measurables at 6’4″ and 214 pounds.
MORE: Top 10 Quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft
Young, on the other hand, is a bit more of a wild card. Everything about his skill set suggests he has the talent to be the QB1 in this class, but standing at 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds is a concern.
Additionally, the 204-pound number that he measured at the NFL Combine has been questioned by some around the league, as that might not truly represent Young’s playing weight, possibly down into the low 190s at Tuscaloosa.
Both quarterbacks are generals on the field, with some of the best combinations of pace, trajectory, and accuracy in the class. Their journeys will also be tied together for the duration of their careers. Will the correct choice be made? That is something only time will tell and a topic that will certainly be discussed in the years to come.