Will Levis. Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Way-too-early Houston Texans NFL Draft preview

By Colum Dell | Last updated 1/11/23

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 3-13-1 | First-round picks: Nos. 2, 12 | Team needs: QB, DL, WR, OL

Snapshot: After "choking" away the first overall pick with a Week 18 win, Houston is dependent on the draft strategy of the Bears, who have the No. 1 overall pick. With two first-round picks and needs everywhere, the Texans can get creative with their selections.

Potential first-round picks: Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia; C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State; Will Anderson Jr., DE, Alabama; Bryce Young, QB, Alabama; Will Levis, QB, Kentucky; Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida; Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU; Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

Houston was Pro Football Focus’ worst overall graded team this season (60.8), earning the lowest offensive and second-lowest defensive grade. Its roster needs a revamp, starting at QB. Davis Mills isn't the answer. Houston might have played itself out of the Young sweepstakes, leaving Stroud and Levis as the next best options.

In 2022, Stroud, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, threw for 3,688 yards; his 41 TD passes were the nation’s second-most. (In 2021, he had 44.)

This throw boosts CJ Stroud’s draft stock to new heights. pic.twitter.com/OIZVw4Jkfo
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) January 1, 2023

Levis (2,406 yards, 19 TDs) doesn’t have stats like Stroud, but he didn’t have the same level of weapons either. His arm strength and experience in a pro-style offense earned him the top spot in Mel Kiper’s QB prospect rankings.

A great throw by Levis to get out of his own end zone. You have speed on the perimeter, use them. pic.twitter.com/faNkPVylc2
— Full-Time Dame (@DP_NFL) November 19, 2022

If Houston passes on Stroud or Levis, Carter and Anderson, Kiper's first- and second-ranked prospects, are in play at No. 2. By choosing this route, Houston could gamble on Richardson, a dual-threat project, at 12. However, Richardson could be too risky. In 2022, he completed 53.8% of his passes, and his 70.2 QBR was 30th in the country, according to ESPN.

WR Brandin Cooks wants a trade, so the Texans likely must replace his team-leading receiving production (699 yards). Using the 12th pick on a WR makes sense for the Texans, especially if they select a QB second overall. If Stroud is the choice, pairing him with former teammate Smith-Njigba could ease their transitions to the NFL.

More must-reads: