The Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft is now complete. All their selections were acquired via picks traded for, less C.J. Stroud at second overall. Over the next weeks and months their rookie class will report to camps and workouts, each hoping to help the Houston Texans make a surprise turnaround. Here is where the Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft class fits into their immediate and long-term future.
- First Round, 2nd Overall: C.J. Stroud, QB
- First Round, 3rd Overall: Will Anderson, LB
- Second Round, 62nd Overall: Juice Scruggs, OG
- Third Round, 69th Overall: Nathaniel Dell, WR
- Fourth Round, 109th Overall: Dylan Horton, Edge
- Fifth Round, 167th Overall: Henry To’oTo’o, LB
- Sixth Round, 201st Overall: Jarrett Patterson, OG
- Sixth Round, 205th Overall: Xavier Hutchinson, WR
- Seventh Round, 248th Overall: Brandon Hill, S
Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft Review Grade: 7.4/10
Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft Review: Trade Extravaganza
The Best Player: Will Anderson
In ten years, Will Anderson might be the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, not just for the Houston Texans. He is a destructive three-down linebacker who offers versatility, experience, athleticism, and ferocity. From an intangible perspective, he adds a smart playstyle to the Texans defence. From a productive point of view, he is second in Alabama’s sack category only behind the legendary Derrick Thomas. While comparisons to Von Miller are on point, Anderson has potential to be even more impactful. He is that solid of a player. If he can just be Miller, he is worth everything the Texans have given up for him.
The Head-Scratcher: Juice Scruggs
Aside from Anderson, Stroud, and Hutchinson, the Texans draft was rather uninspiring. Their 7.4 draft grade is because, while not a disaster, for as many trades the front office made, the Texans drafted rather uninspiring players. Juice Scruggs is a bit of the epitome of this, as at selection 62, he is rather average. He does not boast of any one thing he excels at in the middle of the field. He does not pancake defenders nor does he pull around and smash incoming linebackers. He can get the job done and played against top defenders in the middle of the line, but there was just a lot left to inspire. Scruggs should start for the Texans, but it remains a question if he can do this during week one.
The Surprise: Will Anderson
Anderson, again, simply because no one expected the Texans to give up an allotment of picks for a defensive player. The Arizona Cardinals received pick 12, pick 33, and a 2024 first- and third-round selection. While the Arizona Cardinals third overall selection was nearly a lock for a trade, it was seemingly a lock for a team to trade up to draft a quarterback. However, Anderson might as well be the Texans defensive-quarterback of the future. If he performs up to expectations, he will be the Texans franchise-face for a decade.
The Steal: Xavier Hutchinson
Xavier Hutchinson will make most any catch, is great with the football, and will not drop passes. He was the most productive wide receiver at Iowa State. He fell to selection 205, however, because he does not have top-line speed and needs to improve his route running. One of those traits is coachable, and not every top wide receiver needs to be incredibly fast. Hutchinson can make an immediate contribution to the young Texans roster, and should build an early and successful repour with fellow rookie C.J. Stroud. If he develops better route-running, Hutchinson is an absolute steal at selection 205.
Most Likely to Turn Heads in Training Camp: C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud might not turn into the best player from the Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft because Anderson was selected right behind him. However, as a quarterback, fans and pundits will expect him to. If the Texans want to go anywhere, Stroud needs to become the best offensive player from this class, and then some. That is incredible expectations for such a young player. However, coming from Ohio State, Stroud will be familiar with such expectations. He delivered, producing throughout his time at Ohio State and proved he has NFL intangibles. Stroud is accurate, athletic, smart, and has an incredible deep-ball. He is just about everything that a consistent NFL quarterback could be. He has the highest floor of the 2023 NFL quarterbacks. The biggest question about Stroud will be if he can turn into an All-Pro quarterback, or if he will perform as merely an average starter.
The Rest
C.J. Stroud was the only draftee taken not via trade; every other player the Texans Nick Caserio drafted via a pick traded for. The Houston Texans 2023 NFL Draft was a definitive trade extravaganza. Yet, they managed to select several decent depth players and get, potentially, two franchise defining players.
Nathaniel Dell is a 5’10”, 165 lbs player on days his mates are helping him look slightly taller and heavier. The Senior Bowl guide listed him at 5’8” and 163 lbs. He is a small wide receiver, but at Pick 69, offers good value for what he can bring on deep balls and corner routes. He will immediately help Stroud with a very specific, if tiny in size, skill set. Henry To’oTo’o is another player fitting the ‘small for position’ trend. As an Alabama linebacker, however, he has a high motor capable of changing games and playing forward. To’oTo’o will not be a coverage backer.
Jarrett Patterson is a role-player on the interior offensive line, capable of filling in at guard or centre. He is another likely steal as the Texans could turn him into a starter. Even if he is not a starter, his versatility brings incredible value. Brandon Hill at selection 248 is another likely slot for the roster. Although he is unlikely to become a starting safety, he can become a role player in a forward-box situation or blitzing the passer. He brings a lot of value for a seventh round pick.
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