Texans begin draft chaos with C.J. Stroud pick, trade to No. 3: Best memes and tweets

The Houston Texans made an immediate impact at the top of the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback C.J. Stroud, and trading up to No. 3.

Entering the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft, it was basically a foregone conclusion that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young would go first overall to the Carolina Panthers. The draft officially began with the No. 2 pick, held by the Houston Texans. Why’s that? Because no one knew what they were going to do.

The Texans wasted no time when they were on the clock, as they ran in their card to select Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. With buzz entering draft day that the Tennessee Titans were looking to trade up for Stroud, the Texans ensured he wouldn’t go to their rival.

If you thought the Texans were done, you were mistaken. With the Arizona Cardinals on the clock with the No. 3 pick, the Texans negotiated a trade to acquire it! So, now with back-to-back picks, the Texans used the selection on the top pass rusher in the entire class — Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr.

NFL world reacts to the Texans taking C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. back-to-back in NFL Draft

To move up to No. 3, Houston sent the 12th and 33rd overall picks this year, and a first- and third-rounder in 2024.

Let’s take a look at some of the reactions on NFL Twitter of Houston’s ultra-aggressive strategy to select Stroud and trade up for Anderson.

https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1651747325348306945?s=20

When comparing all of the top quarterback prospects in the NFL, Stroud had the most accurate arm. That was evident when watching Ohio State games the past two years, as he threw pinpoint accurate passes to the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or Emeka Egbuka.

In his three years, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 69.3-percent of his passes.

As for Anderson, he showcased that he’s an absolute game wrecker in the extremely competitive SEC. He has the speed to get to the ball carrier, whether that’s the quarterback or the running back.

In his three years at Alabama, Anderson recorded 204 combined tackles (114 solo, 90 assisted), 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks.

It may be early, but Houston may have very well won the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft.