Houston Texans draft picks 2023: Round-by-round selections

nate davis and jim reineking, usa today

Sun, Apr 30, 2023, 12:34 AM·2 min read

Here is a 2023 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Houston Texans:

Round 1 (No. 2 overall) — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State: This selection had become an intense source of speculation in recent weeks when rumors began to circulate that Houston would pivot from the expectation of selecting a quarterback for a defender. But they ultimately take the guy who will be expected to fill the gaping void created by Deshaun Watson's ugly departure. Stroud's throwing session at the combine was as impressive as any in recent years, backing up his assertion beforehand that, "(I) throw guys open, and that's something that I think is rare – because, at the league, dudes aren't wide open." Draft tracker

Round 1 (3) — Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama: If taking Stroud was a surprise, the Texans moving back up to No. 3 is a stunner – and for the player who was purportedly their preference at No. 2 the past few weeks. Though this draft isn't considered especially deep with blue chip talent and may not have many (or any) generational stars among its ranks, Anderson (6-4, 253) may be the best of the bunch. Draft tracker

Round 2 (62, from Eagles) — Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State: Houston deals back into Round 2, ostensibly to provide a new snapper for QB C.J. Stroud. Scruggs was a captain for the Nittany Lions. Draft tracker

Round 3 (69, from Rams) — Tank Dell, WR, Houston: Small (5-8, 165), but Houston can't resist taking a player from its backyard given its lack of depth at wideout ... plus Dell's production in 2022 (109 catches, 1,398 yards, 17 TDs). Draft tracker

Round 4 (109, from Raiders) — Dylan Horton, DE, TCU Draft tracker

Round 5 (167, compensatory; from Rams) — Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama Draft tracker

Round 6 (201, from Vikings) — Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame Draft tracker

Round 6 (205, from Bills) — Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State Draft tracker

Round 7 (248, from Eagles) — Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh Draft tracker

Houston Texans' last five top draft picks: