As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, rumors are flying about what teams are planning. For example, the idea that the Houston Texans are not taking a quarterback at No. 2 has gained steam recently. 

It has been said that the team would not hesitate to select a defender if team brass is not in love with any of the QBs. Additionally, many have wondered if the team could instead be interested in a QB who is already on a team, like Mac Jones or Trey Lance.

At least one NFL writer believes there is substance to these rumors.

NFL writer Adam Schein recently penned a piece discussing the "burning questions"  currently being asked in league circles. One of the questions asked is about what is going in Houston, and if the Texans should trade out of the No. 2 pick. 

Regarding this question, Schein said the following:

Sure, Houston could select whoever's still available between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. But I just don't believe this is a quarterback-or-bust draft for the Texans. In his first year in the big chair, Ryans will want Houston to say true to its board. The Texans don't have to go quarterback if they have defensive players rated higher or have the opportunity to trade down. The latter is a particularly enticing hypothetical: accumulate more picks for a roster that needs a significant overhaul.

And while I generally loathe thinking ahead to next year's draft this far in advance — because you never know how NFL teams and college prospects will perform in the coming season — the Texans could definitely be in position to snag a signal-caller from what might be a star-studded draft class in 2024.

Schein mentions that the Texans could go with the best available player, and do not necessarily have to go for a QB. Ryans being a defensive head coach has added fuel to these rumors. Additionally, Schein mentions the projected high-quality QB class that could be coming in 2024. 

The Texans are not simply "a QB away" from contention. It is logical to think that Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans place more value on adding talent across the roster than perhaps reaching for a QB. 

The Texans already have two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, and would add even more draft capital if they trade out of No. 2. While CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson are all considered to be starters in the NFL, none of the three are considered slam-dunk, can't-miss prospects. 

Star defenders Jalen Carter or Will Anderson Jr. could easily be ahead of the QBs on the Texans' draft board. The fact that NFL insiders are giving credence to this theory should tell you something. Who do you want the Texans to draft?