Texans Add Help to QB C.J. Stroud and DE Will Anderson Jr. in Mock NFL Draft

The Houston Texans landed two franchise cornerstones in the first round last year and could add to those in this year's NFL Draft.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud wasn't the first quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he was the most successful.

The Texans weren't done there and took perhaps the boldest approach to the draft last year by trading up to grab defensive end Will Anderson Jr. one pick later.

That trade-up sent this year's first-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals, but with another Day 1 selection coming from a trade with the Cleveland Browns, Houston will pick before their original one comes up on the clock.

Illinois Fighting Illini defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (4) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first half at Memorial Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

And the Texans can turn that fortuitous development into even more future success with two well-placed picks that directly impact the play of both of their first-round picks from last season.

At least according to The 33rd Team's two-round mock NFL Draft.

1st Round, Pick No. 23 - DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois

"Jer’Zhan Newton is undersized," says Livesay. "But can win as a pass rusher and can do a lot of good things for DeMeco Ryans’ front seven."

Houston got a lot solid contributions from the defensive front seven in 2023 but with several contracts on the defensive line expiring and $65.9 million in projected cap space for 2024 the team could certainly bring one or two back, but not all of them.

Newton allows the Texans to negotiate wisely, bring back a solid core, and add more young talent to it in the first round.

2nd Round, Pick No. 59 - WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Houston has nine receivers under contract for 2024, but none beyond Nico Collins and Tank Dell are fully cemented into their current spots on the depth chart and roster.

According to Keith Sanchez of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast Pearsall brings a high football IQ and ability to make contested catches in heavy traffic. 

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He can also be used to align anywhere in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's formations and brings a solid combination of toughness, versatility, and athletic ability to complement the existing weapons Stroud has at his disposal.