NFL Draft rumors: Texans could double down on mistake at No. 2

The Houston Texans hold the second-overall pick, and NFL Network’s Peter Schrager could see the team making a shocking selection with it.

The 2023 NFL Draft officially begins this Thursday, Apr. 27, and fans will get their answers as to what their favorite teams will do with their first-round picks. While everyone knows that the Carolina Panthers will select a quarterback with the No. 1 pick, there is uncertainty as to where the Houston Texans will lean towards how to use the No. 2 selection. They have an obvious need for a quarterback, but are they really considering punting on addressing the position?

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” FOX Sports senior national writer Peter Schrager said that not only does he think that the Texans will pass on taking a quarterback, but also believes that the team will take Texas Tech defensive lineman Tyree Wilson over Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

Texans likely to select Tyree Wilson over Will Anderson Jr. in NFL Draft?

Schrager mentions that new head coach DeMeco Ryans comes from the San Francisco 49ers and has a “formula” of getting “a long, big defensive lineman.” The 49ers have shown just that by drafting the likes of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw.

As for Wilson, he stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 278-pounds, and has a ridiculous 86-inch wingspan. That will certainly capture the attention of teams, and it seems like it has, where he is basically a lock to go in the Top 10. But, the Texans taking Wilson over a proven commodity in Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is risky.

Anderson has been in the spotlight at the collegiate level during his three years at Alabama. Playing in the tough SEC, Anderson made getting to the quarterback or the ball carrier look easy with his speed. In 41 games, Anderson recorded 204 total tackles (114 solo, 90 assisted), 58.5 tackles for loss, 34.5 sacks, four passes defended, one forced fumble and one interception.

As for Wilson, he recorded 121 total tackles (76 solo, 45 assisted), 32 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in his four years with Texas Tech. Wilson was unable to participate at the Scouting Combine due to foot surgery, but as Schrager says, he was cleared.

Teams all have their preferences in what they are looking for in a prospect. While Wilson could be a very good defensive lineman at the NFL level, passing on Anderson could be a move that the Texans regret down the line.