Texans land Bryce Young and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in ESPN 7-round mock draft
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The final three roster spots that need major draft capital thrown their way for the Houston Texans are quarterback, receiver, and defensive end.
According to Jordan Reid from ESPN, the Texans go in the order of quarterback and receiver to fill those roster needs. Alabama’s Bryce Young is available at No. 2 overall, and the Texans make it clear he is their quarterback of the future.
At No. 12 overall, the Texans take one of C.J. Stroud’s former targets in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The trade of Brandin Cooks to the Cowboys means the Texans lack playmakers around whoever their quarterback will be in 2023. With 12 draft picks, this could be the spot to get my top-ranked receiver in this class. Smith-Njigba fits exactly what Houston needs. He has the upside to be a high-end complementary option as a rookie. Even though nearly 90% of his production came from the slot during his time with the Buckeyes, he has the route-running ability, quickness and catch radius to be productive from the outside at the next level.
Houston doesn’t skimp on the defensive line. With the No. 33 overall pick, the second pick of Round 2, the Texans select defensive end Will McDonald from Iowa State.
The Texans could stand to have some young competition at center as they have reserves Scott Quessenberry and Michael Deiter available. Houston drafts Ohio State’s Luke Wypler to provide future talent.
Houston adds linebacker depth with Washington State’s Daiyan Henley with the No. 73 overall pick in Round 3.
In Round 4, the Texans take Maryland cornerback Jakorian Bennett.
The fifth round sees Houston grab Alabama tight end Cameron Latu.
Houston uses all three of its Round 6 picks to select TCU cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (No. 188), USC guard Andrew Vorhees (No. 201), and Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn (No. 203).
The Texans also use both of their seventh-round selections to collect Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph (No. 230) and Florida defensive end Brenton Cox (No. 259).
More than likely the Texans will trade away the bulk of their Day 3 picks, as has been the case in the past two drafts run by general manager Nick Caserio.
