The Houston Texans and Bryce Young are more linked than double batteries with TV remotes. However, one recent mock draft has the Texans going against the wisdom of the crowd at No. 2 overall in their latest 2023 mock draft.

According to the scouting department at the 33rd Team, the Texans don’t go with the popular pick and instead grab Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

Houston resists the urge to move up one spot, preserves its draft capital and still get the top quarterback on their board. Stroud showed his full potential in the semifinals against Georgia. Of the top three quarterbacks in this class, Stroud may have the best combination of arm strength, touch and ball placement.

Probably Stroud’s best tape was against Georgia, despite the loss. The Buckeye signal caller went 23-of-34 for 348 yards and four touchdowns in the harrowing 42-41 loss in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.

Young goes No. 5 overall to the Seattle Seahawks, who are in possession of the Denver Broncos’ Round 1 pick thanks to their deal for Russell Wilson. Kentucky’s Will Levis actually goes ahead of Young at No. 3 overall as the Indianapolis Colts move up from No. 4 to take their presumptive franchise quarterback.

Houston then uses their extra draft pick obtained via 2022 offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns to grab TCU wideout Quentin Johnston.

Houston takes a playmaking wide receiver to pair with its new rookie quarterback. Johnston is our highest-rated WR in the 2023 NFL Draft and a top-5 player on our board. Houston comes away with a quarterback and mismatch WR without giving up any draft capital.

Regardless of which players are taken at No. 2 and No. 12, a first-round pairing of Houston picks in mock drafts has them taking a quarterback and a receiver. Going with that combination would be a sure way to infuse youth and talent into the Texans’ anemic passing game.