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Houston Texans 2023 Mock Draft: Bryce Young Or C.J. Stroud?

By Jacob Schyvinck

Nov 26, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) beats Auburn cornerback Jaylin Simpson (36) to the end zone for a touchdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) beats Auburn cornerback Jaylin Simpson (36) to the end zone for a touchdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Rashee Rice (11) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Rashee Rice (11) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, 32nd Overall: Rashee Rice, WR, SMU

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with Brandin Cooks this offseason. There was some drama right after the trade deadline between Cooks and the Houston Texans, and Cooks seems disgruntled. It’s possible he’s cut or traded in the offseason.

Either way, don’t completely leave your quarterback out to dry in the playmaker cupboard. Rashee Rice is a potential “X” receiver who enjoyed fruitful production in 2022, catching 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s a ball-winner at the catch point, and has impressive straight line speed to be a vertical threat and post-catch threat.

Round 3, 64th Overall: Byron Young, DL, Alabama

Building up the front seven shouldn’t stop with Tyree Wilson. They have to get better on the interior, both defending the run and collapsing the pocket. The defensive tackle class in the 2023 NFL Draft has a couple headliners at the top, but plenty of value on day two as well. Byron Young is a prospect who could outplay his draft position. He can sit on the interior and two-gap, using his short area quicks and vision to cross the face of offensive linemen when necessary. As a pass rusher, he’s developed enough counters to stay relentless when getting after the quarterback.

Round 3, 76th Overall: Sedrick Van Pran-Grainger, C, Georgia

A little run on SEC guys here on day two. As good as tackle has been for the Houston Texans, they still need to shore up the interior. Why not get Young a strong center with a phenomenal football IQ. That’s Sedrick Van Pran-Grainger, who takes great angles and has sufficient power to move people in the run game. He’s stout as a pass protector as well, passing off stunts and staying in control with great grip strength.

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