Why the Houston Texans need to take Bryce Young and Quentin Johnston in the 2023 NFL Draft

By selecting Bryce Young and Quentin Johnston in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans could possibly have two future stars to build around for years to come.

The team has the top pick in the draft, which they can use to take Young. Thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, they also own the Cleveland Browns’ selection, which is currently 11th overall. They could likely land Johnston at that spot.

Heading into this season, most fans and experts predicted the Texans to post the worst record in the league. They were right, as the struggling, rebuilding club sits at 2-12-1 on the year.

It’s easy to struggle when your roster lacks a franchise quarterback. Watson was that guy, but he’s in Cleveland now. And while current starter Davis Mills has been solid at times, he isn’t the long-term answer at the position.

That’s why the Houston Texans need to draft Young, who's No. 1 on pretty much every mock draft. Standing at just 6 feet tall, there are concerns about his size. Yet, his playmaking talent and field vision are too good to pass up.

The Philadelphia native has put together quite a career in Alabama. Last season, he won the Heisman Trophy as he threw for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

This season, Young has produced 3,007 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions. The 21-year-old was spectacular in Alabama’s recent 45-20 Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State, finishing 15 of 21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnston, arguably the top wide receiver prospect in the draft, has been excellent this season for TCU. He posted 53 receptions, 903 receiving yards and five touchdown catches. The 21-year-old Texas native racked up six catches, 163 yards and a touchdown during the Fiesta Bowl victory against Michigan.

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Bryce Young and Quentin Johnston could become a dominating one-two punch for the Houston Texans

TCU receiver Quentin Johnston taking on Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl

In order for Young to succeed in Houston, he’ll need a talented receiver like Johnston to throw the football to. Johnston possesses a unique combination of size, speed, leaping ability, athleticism and explosiveness.

If you take a look around the NFL, every elite quarterback has a favorite go-to pass-catcher. Patrick Mahomes has Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow has Ja’Marr Chase and Josh Allen has Stefon Diggs.

Young and Johnston could instantly develop into the league's next exciting QB-WR combo. Although the Texans will need more than that to make a return to the playoffs, it's definitely a step in the right direction.