The most difficult part of any mock draft is predicting trades. It's impossible. The Chicago Bears own the No. 1 overall pick thanks to the Texans and former coach Lovie Smith winning two of their final three games last season.
But the Texans need a quarterback, and Chicago has one. Since this is a pre-combine mock draft, CBS Sports points out this will not include any trades.
After the Bears take DL Jalen Carter from Georgia with the No. 1 overall pick, the Texans get their guy at quarterback.
Houston Texans - Round 1 - Pick 2
Bryce Young, QB - Alabama - Jr - 6-0, 194
Being listed at 6-feet, 194 pounds means he would be the fourth quarterback 6-feet or shorter selected in the first round in the Common Draft Era, along with Kyler Murray, Johnny Manziel and Michael Vick. Young's game is well worth the risk of taking someone with his build. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner's 79 passing touchdowns across the last two seasons are the most in a two-year span in SEC history. His improvisational playmaking that he put on tape, especially in 2022 with an offensive line well below the usual Alabama standards, is currently the best of any passer in this draft class.
After Davis Mills' struggle the past two seasons, there's no question the Texans need a quarterback, and Young is the 2nd ranked quarterback in the draft by most outlets. But he's the guy the Texans like the most.
Houston also has the No. 12 overall pick thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade to Cleveland, and they stay on offense according to CBS Sports.
Houston Texans - Round 1 - Pick 12
Quentin Johnston, WR - TCU - Jr - 6-4, 215
The Texans need a game-changer in the passing game. Who better than one of the best deep-ball receivers in college football? TCU won a lot of games en route to their national runner-up finish because of Johnston hauling in deep passes in the clutch or breaking some ankles to turn a short gain into a 76-yard touchdown like he did in their CFP semifinal win against No. 2 Michigan. Pairing Young and Johnston together in Houston could lead to fireworks very soon.
The combination of Young and Johnston could be big for the Texans. An explosive quarterback and a play-making wideout could also mean some exciting plays on the field for the fans.
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