Fansided

2023 NFL Mock Draft: Texans reboot at QB in ‘way-too-early’ 2023 Mock

By Brad Weiss

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl.02 rosebowl
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl.02 rosebowl /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 02: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2021, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 02: Nolan Smith #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Sanford Stadium on October 2, 2021, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

23. player. 10. . LB. Houston Texans. Nolan Smith

The Houston Texans traded away Deshaun Watson this offseason and brought back a treasure chest of picks. With the No. 23 overall pick, their second of round one, the Texans turn their attention to the defense and get an elite linebacker in Nolan Smith.

In fact, I like Smith to play all over the field at the next level, as I believe he is going to be a guy who puts his hand in the dirt and comes off the edge as well. Houston is a work in progress, but stacking first-round picks in multiple drafts is certainly a way to get better in a hurry.

Trenton Simpson. 24. player. 123. . LB. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are going to be an interesting team to watch next season, as Dak Prescott looks to get them back to the top of the NFC East. In a division that is certainly there for the taking, the Cowboys may have the best roster, but do they have the best head coach to get them to the Promised Land.

That remains to be seen, but one thing they need to bolster next offseason is the linebacker room, which they do here. Trenton Simpson from Clemson is another defensive talent in this draft class that can play all over the field, and I believe the Cowboys could use him at linebacker, as well as coming off the edge.

36. . OL. Seattle Seahawks. Zion Nelson. 25. player

The Seattle Seahawks hold two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, and after adding a quarterback early in round one, they get him some protection here. With pick No. 8 overall, the Seahawks add Tanner McKee, a signal-caller from Stanford to take over for Drew Lock, and at No. 25, Zion Nelson is the pick.

Nelson could wind up being a top-2 offensive tackle in this draft class when all is said and done, as he is that good an athlete. Seattle is in a bit of a rebuild mode right now, but Nelson could be a long-term answer at left tackle.

Home/NFL Mock Draft