Davis Mills' second season with the Houston Texans was a disappointment. After trading Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns in March, the franchise allowed Mills to prove he could be a franchise quarterback.
But nearly a year later, the Texans are on the verge of replacing the soon-to-be third-year quarterback with either C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young with their first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Mills hopes to retain his role as the Texans' starter under center next season. But according to the 33rdTeam, ranking Mills as the 29th-best starting quarterback indicates why Houston will likely replace his services in April.
"I'd like to think to myself that I've shown enough," Mills said. "Personally, I think that my best football days are still ahead of me. There are always going to be questions, and I don't have full control over that decision. I want to continue developing as a player and as a person."
For a player in his first season as a full-time starter, Mills said each game was a learning experience. And in Houston's season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, his lessons came to fruition.
He led the Texans to a 32-31 Week 18 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium with 298 yards while going 22-for-38 and three touchdowns.
Mills led the Texans on a game-winning dive. In the final 2 minutes and 43 seconds, Houston recorded 83 yards in 14 plays that ended with Mills connecting with tight end Jordan Akins for a game-winning 28-yard touchdown.
Unfortunately, a pair of interceptions during the third quarter showcased why Houston is looking for an upgrade at the position. He finished the season tied with Dak Prescott by throwing a league-high 15 interceptions.
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