Struggling Texans on track for top pick in 2023 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans aren't going to have to work very hard for a top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

After trading embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson in the offseason, the Texans looked to signal a major shift in the franchise. 

While 2021 third-round quarterback Davis Mills hasn't been horrible, he's not given the team what it needs to justify keeping him under center going forward. With a 1-7-1 record, Houston holds the top pick in the draft at the moment (per Tankathon). 

While the Texans have building blocks like running back Dameon Pierce, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., safety Jalen Pitre, linebacker Christian Harris and guard Kenyon Green, the team lacks a bona fide franchise quarterback and playmakers at plenty of positions. Wideout Brandin Cooks looks like a potential cut in 2023 after he held out briefly over not being traded, too.

You start with the quarterback, which is why top draft talents like Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young would have the best odds of playing in Houston next fall. 

Coach Lovie Smith's position in Houston is very tenuous, which could make the Texans a desirable spot for a head coaching candidate if the team moves on from Smith and has the No. 1 pick to take a quarterback with next year. 

The Texans still have to play the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs this season. Even games against the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts feel tough for the Texans. 

With only one 13-6 win over the Jags, the Texans could bottom out by January and position themselves for a new franchise quarterback. The 2022 season might be a disaster, but the future could be much brighter.