With the second pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans can have almost any player they want. It is widely expected that the team will select a quarterback.

However, Texans' fans better hope Bryce Young is not the preferred choice. 

According to draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., Young is the overwhelming favorite to be selected by the Carolina Panthers with the first pick. 

In Kiper's latest mock draft, the famed analyst mentioned that fellow NFL insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter also believe the Panthers will select Young.

With the second pick, Kiper has the Texans sticking to the script and selecting CJ Stroud. According to Kiper, there is  "not much buzz about the quarterback Houston would prefer in this class." Thus, Stroud could actually be the first choice in Houston, and the team would be glad to see Young go first.

If the Texans prefer Young to CJ Stroud or Anthony Richardson, then general manager Nick Caserio may decide to go with the best player available instead. This theory is not without merit, as it has been hinted previously that Caserio will not take a QB just for the sake of taking a QB. 

However, Kiper notes that he "has little doubt," the Texans will draft a QB at No. 2. The only question remaining seems to be whether that will be Young, Stroud, or Richardson. 

Stroud had a fantastic career at Ohio State, finishing second in career passing yards despite just two seasons as the starter. Stroud is also second in all-time passing touchdowns for the Buckeyes, throwing 85 in his career. 

Selecting Stroud would give the Texans an exciting young QB to build around, something the fans desperately need. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the first pick. It seems more and more likely that Stroud and Young will be the first and second picks one way or another.