NFL Mock Draft: 3 first round mistakes the Texans can’t afford to make

First-round mistakes the Houston Texans must avoid in 2023 NFL Draft: Passing on Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 12

Not only should the Texans avoid passing on Stroud at no. 2, but if they have the chance to grab Stroud’s former teammate and the best wide receiver in this class, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, at no. 12, they absolutely have to pull the trigger.

All other needs be darned. The Texans have a legitimate chance to improve their offense in a drastic measure with both of these first-round picks.

With Stroud under center along with Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary in the backfield, the Texans’ offense actually starts to look respectable. But, you add in Smith-Njigba, Robert Woods, Nico Collins and a (hopefully) healthy John Metchie, and newly-signed tight end Dalton Schultz, and suddenly you’re looking at a very respectable offense on paper.

Smith-Njigba is the best all-around receiver in this draft, has ideal size and runs some of the best routes out of any of his peers. He is seemingly always open, and you throw in his skill set with the chemistry he has intact with Stroud, and this is a no-brainer type of first-round for Houston.