The Texans had an eventful draft, making multiple trades along the way. The team ultimately ended up with what it hopes is a franchise QB and a franchise edge rusher. 

After those first two selections, the team selected a big, versatile offensive lineman in Juice Scruggs. Scruggs could immediately take over as the starting center after Scott Quessenberry struggled in 2022. 

Several other interesting prospects were added, so let's take a look and add grades for each player. 

Round 1, Pick 2: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

After many rumors about the Texans not selecting a QB at No. 2, the team ultimately couldn't pass on Stroud. Stroud comes in immediately as the starting QB and gives the Texans a key piece to build a team around. 

With Bryce Young off the board, Stroud was the most pro-ready option at QB. The Texans desperately need a franchise signal-caller, and Stroud can be exactly that. 

Even if Stroud does not end up being "the guy," you can't knock the Texans for trying here. This is the pick that made the most sense. 

Grade: A+

Round 1, Pick 3: Will Anderson, Jr., EDGE, Alabama

This move shocked the NFL world at the time. The Texans initially held the No. 12 pick before trading up to No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals. 

Anderson is potentially the best defensive player in the class and is a high-character individual. At the very least, Anderson seems like a solid edge rusher who can help out in run defense. His ceiling is a double-digit sack artist who could lead the league in tackles for loss. 

If one had to nitpick, it would be about the trade up. However, the Texans had plenty of draft capital so it's hard to complain. 

Grade: A

Round 2, Pick 62: Juice Scruggs, C, Penn State

Scruggs is a versatile lineman with experience starting at either guard spot or center. He has the prototypical size for a center and could immediately beat out Scott Quessenberry for the starting position. 

Scruggs had a mid-round grade by most draft analysts, so perhaps the team reached a little here. However, if Scruggs ends up being a starter, it would be hard to complain about the pick. This fills a need and at the very least, provides depth on the line. 

Grade: B

Round 3, Pick 69: Tank Dell, WR, Houston

The Texans stayed local in round three, selecting Tank Dell from the Houston Cougars. Dell explodes off the line and has breakaway speed that blows you away. He has the makeup to be an effective slot guy in the league and has sure hands. 

Dell has a slight build that could be detrimental, but he should be fine as long as he plays a specific role. Dell will be a stable presence across the middle of the field that will provide an easy out for Stroud to hit. He could potentially help out in the return game as well. 

Grade: A

Round 4, Pick 109: Dylan Horton, DE, TCU

Staying somewhat local again, the Texans selected TCU product, Dylan Horton. Anytime you can land a player in the fourth round who had 10.5 sacks last season, that has to be considered great value. 

Horton profiles as a rotational pass-rusher who can be disruptive in spurts. The Texans needed to add depth and talent to the defensive line, and Horton does just that. 

Grade: B+

Round 5, Pick 167: Henry To'oTo'o, LB, Alabama

To'oTo'o is a liability in pass coverage but makes up for it in run defense. The former Tide linebacker is a hard-hitting, high-IQ player who will at least contribute on special teams. 

To'oTo'o profiles as a similar player to former Texan Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The Texans needed to add additional depth here, but an LB with more range would have been nice. It's not hard to find a solid special teams player, so this feels like a slight reach. 

Grade: C-

Round 6, Pick 201: Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame

I loved this pick and couldn't believe Patterson was still available. Patterson only allowed two sacks as a starter in his college career. 

The former Irish lineman profiles as a solid run-blocker who can fill in at either guard spot or center. Patterson might not have the length or quickness to keep up with defensive linemen in the NFL, but he can hold his own in the rushing attack.

Patterson adds quality depth and should slot in behind Shaq Mason. 

Grade: A

Round 6, Pick 205: Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State

Hutchinson could carve out a role as a red-zone threat in the league. The receiver was ultra-productive in Ames, putting up over 100 catches in 2022. The big-bodied receiver ultimately fell in the draft because of a slow 40-yard dash performance. 

Hutchinson is not a burner, but he does profile as a solid possession receiver who thrives in the red zone. The Texans' WR depth is much stronger now, so Hutchinson might have a hard time cracking this roster. This is great value near the end of the draft regardless. 

Grade: A

Round 7, Pick 248: Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh

Hill is smaller than you'd like an NFL safety to be, but he is feisty and hard-hitting. Hill had no problem meeting running backs at the line of scrimmage, but he fell due to a lack of turnover production and size. 

Hill profiles as a special-teamer who could crack the roster as a depth safety. The Texans did not address the secondary until this pick, but the secondary is pretty solid as it is. 

Grade: B

Final Thoughts: Ultimately, the Texans did extremely well in this draft. All of the problem areas were addressed and multiple starters were found. 

Coming into the draft, the Texans not only needed impact players, but they needed an identity. Stroud and Anderson will now be that identity, as high-character guys who make an impact on and off the field. Scruggs and Patterson add depth to an offensive line that struggled on the interior in 2022. Horton adds depth to a line that struggled to get sacks or stop the run last season. Dell and Hutchinson add even more talent to an overhauled Texans' receiver room. 

To'oTo'o was perhaps a reach, as special teams contributors are abundant and the board still had quality cover guys available. Hill is a fine seventh-round flier and could crack the team as a special teamer. 

Overall, the value is there for this class. General manager Nick Caserio and first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans nailed this draft and should have the Texans much more competitive in 2023.