The Houston Texans 2022 season was horrific. Not only were the Texans a bad team, losing their way to the honorific of the second overall pick, but they were extremely boring. Houston lacked playmakers or any sense of a future direction. Last night, the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft changed the direction of the Houston Texans franchise. At number two, they drafted the hope of their franchise in quarterback CJ Stroud. Then, they shocked the NFL by trading up to number three and drafting generational linebacker Will Anderson. The Houston Texans found two of the top prospects in the NFL Draft and may have found the players that can re-define a historically drab franchise.
CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Define Houston Texans Franchise Trajectory
Heading into the NFL Draft, draft pundits had suspected the Houston Texans would select a quarterback at number two. However, uncommitted commentary from Nick Caserio gave credence to the idea the Texans would trade out of the number two selection. What Texans fans may not have expected was the team was seeking to trade for additional draft capital so they could take Will Anderson. Ultimately the Texans gave the Arizona Cardinals this year’s pick 12, 33, and a 2024 first and third-round pick. In total that is three-potential players that the Texans swapped for the right to draft one of the generational pass rushers. (The Arizona Cardinals would later trade back to pick six, drafting Paris Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State.)
Ideally, both CJ Stroud and Will Anderson will become captains by year two, working to earn All-Pro or Pro Bowl honours. Both players can re-define their positions in the NFL, with Stroud being a pure pocket passer, moving to a more traditional quarterback from the early 2000s. Will Anderson might become the next Ray Lewis – a linebacker who can absolutely reset the line of scrimmage. This is not to say, however, that both do not have risks or their work cut out for them. Stroud and Anderson will have to confront their “welcome to the NFL” moments just as any rookie does.
Depth and development next for the Houston Texans
Throughout the remainder of the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans have ten other selections. This includes two selections in each of round three, four, and seven, with one round-five selection and three round-six selections. For the Texans, this puts an emphasis on grabbing contributors in round three and four; players that may not be all-stars, but certainly can become rotational-players or contributors via a specific role. The Texans front office should specifically allot late rounds for drafting depth. The Texans will be a young team over the next two seasons, one that needs depth and security.
A revamped offensive line might benefit Stroud too, especially if they can find a solid starting guard in round three. Stroud is not the electric scrambler who can escape traffic, but that should not detract from his play. He is a precise and deadly pocket passer who will make teams pay for blitzing him. However, the Texans must protect him and give him the standard time to release his football.
Regardless of what happens the rest of the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans have drafted two players that reset the trajectory of the franchise. Both Stroud and Anderson can become the faces that define this era of Houston football, and if they are lucky, this era of the AFC South.
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