The Houston Texans won on a last-second play in their regular-season finale, falling from the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft order to the second overall selection. Not only did the victory likely cost them an opportunity to draft Bryce Young, but it might also have significantly altered their entire quarterback plans with the upcoming NFL Draft.
Houston seemingly still had a shot to land Young until recently, when reports surfaced that the Carolina Panthers are locked in on taking him at No. 1 overall. With Young expected to be off the board, many assumed either C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson would be the next target.
Instead, Houston is expected to use its top pick on a defensive player. The Texans reportedly aren’t sold on Stroud while Richardson’s need for development seems to push him further down Houston's draft board. However, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans reportedly have kept a closer eye in recent days on Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker.
In his final 2023 mock draft, Peter King of NBC Sports projects that the Texans will select Hooker with the 12th overall pick. He also noted that Houston has been ‘doing work’ on the Tennessee quarterback in the final days leading up to the draft.
Hooker, who turned 25 in January, is expected to miss a majority of his rookie season as he recovers from an ACL tear. However, NFL teams have raved about his leadership and maturity during interviews and he’s now expected to be a first-round pick on Thursday.
Houston’s plan with Hooker would be relatively clear. He would spend the majority of his season rehabbing while being coached up by offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson. Until Hooker is cleared to play and is ready to start, Davis Mills would be the top quarterback in Houston.
A majority of NFL teams would likely view the selection of Hooker with the 12th pick as a reach. He’ll be 26 years old next season and critics of Hooker’s success at Tennessee believe it was tied to an offense that exploited college football and Hooker’s advanced age over his peers.
The Texans could trade down from the 12th pick, eyeing teams who want to move up for a cornerback or offensive tackle. However, Houston would also take on the risk of a team like the Las Vegas Raiders or Minnesota Vikings moving up into the late teens to draft Hooker.
No matter what direction the Texans take, there is far more uncertainty surrounding the 2023 NFL Draft than in previous years. With a high level of variability, draft night will provide the answers to questions fans, analysts and NFL executives have had for months.
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