Texans Trade Up For QB, Draft Elite WR: NFL Mock

The Texans add two elite offensive playmakers in this mock draft from CBS Sports.
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The Houston Texans are in a prime position to completely change the trajectory of their franchise once the draft rolls around in April. 

They own two first-round picks, their own and Cleveland's via the Deshaun Watson trade. What they do with those two picks, though, is one of the more intriguing storylines to watch come April. 

In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, they have the Texans going offense with both picks. First, though, they believe that Houston trades with Chicago and moves up to No. 1 to get its guy. 

Rd. 1 No. 1 - C.J. Stroud - QB (Ohio State)

The Texans aren't willing to risk somebody trading ahead of them and getting their guy, so they do it instead. Lovie Smith's final give to the Chicago Bears is a Week 18 victory that netted them a few more picks. Texans fans will forgive him for it so long as Stroud pans out, and there's a good chance he will.

Stroud or Bryce Young is one of the biggest debates regarding the upcoming draft, and in this scenario, the Texans don't risk Stroud being sniped from them by a team trading up. 

Should they go Stroud, they would land their franchise quarterback. The Ohio State quarterback started his last two seasons as a Buckeye, throwing for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions. 

They aren't done there, though, as with their second first-round pick CBS Sports gives Stroud another weapon to work with. 

Rd. 1 No. 12 - Quentin Johnson - WR (TCU)

It's possible the Titans could take Johnston over Addison, but not in this mock. Instead, the Texans get a receiver who isn't as polished a route-runner but has the long speed to get over the top of defenses and isn't afraid to get over the middle. He could prove an excellent option for new QB C.J. Stroud.

Johnston burst onto the scene in his final season at TCU, helping lead TCU to the national title game. As a junior the receiver recorded 1,069 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 60 receptions, averaging 17.8 yards per reception. 

The Texans already have an elite running back, with Dameon Pierce breaking out in his rookie campaign last season. Now, with this mock draft, they add an elite quarterback and receiver that could elevate the offense to the next level. 


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Connor Zimmerlee
CONNOR ZIMMERLEE

Connor Zimmerlee is a writer and reporter for the FanNation network. Zimmerlee received his Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism with a Master's of Science in Journalism with a Specialization in Sports Media.