2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Houston Texans

By Colum Dell | Last updated Jan 19, 2023 10:45 AM ET

Current starter: Davis Mills | Current backups: Jeff Driskel, Kyle Allen

State of the position: After flashing glimpses of talent as a rookie in 2021, Mills ended any chance of being Houston's franchise quarterback in 2022. Per ESPN, Mills was 29th in QBR (33.2) and expected points added (24.7) last season. His troubling play led to a two-game benching in favor of Allen, but once he failed, Houston returned to Mills.

Houston used journeyman Driskel in packages at the end of the season, much as the Saints use Taysom Hill, the Swiss Army knife of QBs. Driskel only threw 20 passes for 108 yards and one TD, but he rushed for 60 yards in Houston's final five games.

Houston will likely use the second pick in the draft on a QB, but who knows which one? A Week 18 victory cost the Texans the top pick, leading to a "wave of vitriol" from Texans fans, per the Houston Press.

Per Oddschecker, Alabama QB Bryce Young is the favorite to be the first overall selection, leaving Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud, who has the second-best odds to go first, as Houston's likely pick. Kentucky QB Will Levis is also considered worthy of a top-10 pick.

With Justin Fields set as Bears QB, Houston could entice Chicago with a package of picks to move up one spot.

Key stat: Mills threw 15 interceptions this season, tied for the most in the league with Dallas' Dak Prescott.

2023 QB forecast: Houston will have a new head coach, and he'll almost certainly start whichever rookie quarterback the team selects. Will Houston stick with Mills as a placeholder or trade him for a pick? He may not bring much. Driskel could re-sign to add an extra dimension to the offense.

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