The Houston Texans were one of the biggest winners of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

It was widely thought that the team would select either Will Anderson Jr or CJ Stroud. General manager Nick Caserio instead decided to select both, selecting Stroud with the No. 2 pick and trading up to No. 3 for Anderson. 

While Stroud and Anderson obviously have received the most fanfare, the team went on to draft seven more players who could play a role in 2023. Today, I want to predict the role that each drafted rookie will play in 2023.

CJ Stroud, QB

Projected role: Starting quarterback 

This one is obvious. Even with Davis Mills taking first team reps this offseason, there's no question who the starter will be for Week 1. 

Stroud was selected with the No. 2 pick for a reason. The young signal-caller should immediately step in and provide a spark to a team in desperate need of one. Expect typical rookie struggles at first, but Stroud should be coming into his own as the season progresses. 

Remember not to overreact about Stroud this season. As a rookie on a team that still isn't great, there will be struggles. I have a feeling that by the end of the season, however, Texans' fans will feel good about their future.

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE

Projected role: Starting edge rusher, rarely off the field

Anderson and Stroud were both mentioned among the best overall prospects in the draft, so both will start from the jump. 

Anderson has the tools to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. Fortunately, he also has the makings of an elite run stopper, meaning he never has to leave the field. 

The Texans are counting on Anderson to make an impact immediately. Outside of Anderson, the team has aging vet Jerry Hughes and the unproven Jonathan Greenard on the edge. I fully expect Anderson to be a force as an edge rusher and a quality run defender as well. Anderson will be the Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner. 

Juice Scruggs, C

Projected role: Starting center

After being drafted higher than expected, I expect Scruggs to win the starting center job immediately. The rookie has to beat out veteran Scott Quessenberry who was one of the worst centers in the league in 2022. 

With a second round investment, it's safe to say that Scruggs will get every opportunity to be a starter. I expect the former Nittany Lion to start immediately and prove himself as a capable run blocker. Scruggs could struggle in pass protection as he adjusts to the NFL level, but he will improve as the season goes on. Quessenberry could be a preseason cut. 

Tank Dell, WR

Projected role: Slot receiver, kick returner

Dell's slight frame might force the receiver into a slot role, but he could still be very productive here. 

The Texans are without a true No. 1 receiver, so Dell should have plenty of opportunities. I expect Dell to be involved in the passing game early and often. Expect many quick slant routes designed to get the ball out of Stroud's hands. 

An overlooked aspect of Dell's game is his ability to return kicks. While not as crucial a position as it used to be, starting drives with favorable field position is crucial, especially with a rookie QB. 

Expect Dell to get more involved on offense as the season progresses. I would not be surprised if Dell ended up leading the team in targets. 

Dylan Horton, DE

Projected role: depth lineman, rotational pass rusher

Horton could benefit from the Texans' lack of depth on the defensive line. Anderson and Greenard are the starters, but behind that duo is not much. 

Horton played on the end and on the interior at TCU. He might struggle generating pressure off the edge, but he could cut his teeth on special teams and as a rotational piece. Something like 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks is a realistic expectation for the rookie. 

Henry To'oTo'o, LB

Projected role: Special teams ace, run stopping LB

To'oTo'o likely won't be on the field in passing situations. The linebacker struggled in pass coverage in college and likely would in the NFL as well. However, To'oTo'o is as sure a tackler as you can find. 

The former Tennessee and Alabama product collected 94 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2022. I expect the linebacker to be a special teams ace initially before transitioning into a bigger role next season if Denzel Perryman or Cory Littleton leave. 

Jarrett Patterson, C

Projected role: practice squad/depth lineman

Patterson started at center for Notre Dame and received rave reviews for his run blocking. Patterson could sneak onto the roster as a depth lineman. 

The final spot on the line could come down to Patterson or the veteran Quessenberry. The Texans could decide to go with youth and move on from the veteran. 

Xavier Hutchinson, WR

Projected role: Red zone threat/practice squad

Hutchinson is an intriguing late-round prospect. His 6'3", 205 lb frame could make him an immediate red-zone threat. Nico Collins is the only other receiver on the roster that is 6'3" or taller. 

However, the Texans' receiver room looks crowded. Robert Woods, Noah Brown, John Metchie III, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell are all locks. This could leave just one spot left, meaning Hutchinson has to beat out Amari Rodgers, Steven Sims, Jalen Camp, and others. 

Brandon Hill, DB

Projected role: Special teams/Practice squad

The secondary might just be the deepest group on the Texans' roster. Given that the defense will play nickel and dime packages frequently, I assume only four safeties will be kept. 

This means Hill will have to beat out solid veterans MJ Stewart or Eric Murray to secure a spot on the roster. It appears most likely that Hill spends a year on the practice squad. 

Featured image via © Thomas Shea | 2023 Apr 28