This offseason could potentially define the Houston Texans' franchise for the next decade.

With the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the team will have a chance to get a franchise icon. However, there are a few prospects who could be drafted high that I think the Texans would be wise to stay away from. 

These players are not bad prospects by any means, but rather bad options for the Texans this high in the draft. 

With that being said, let's take a look at a few of the prospects who fit this description. 

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Richardson is probably the most boom-or-bust quarterback prospect in this class. 

The former Florida Gator was the starter for just one full season, and his production was nowhere near the level of Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. 

Richardson profiles as a dual-threat QB with sensational arm strength. There are concerns about his accuracy, as he completed just over 53% of his passes in 2022. 

Richardson ended the season with 17 TD passes, nine interceptions, and 2,549 passing yards. 

Richardson could easily be a dynamic star in the NFL. At 6'4", 232 pounds, the injury concerns that typically exist with dual-threat QBs are not as much of a worry for Richardson.

Taking Richardson at No. 2 would, in my opinion, be overthinking the pick. Either Stroud or Young will be available when the Texans select, and both QBs are safer options. 

The Texans need a franchise QB. While no prospect is a sure thing, Stroud and Young have more experience and more historic production. Both QBs seem to have relatively high floors, which can not be said for Richardson. 

Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

Don't get me wrong, Carter would fill a massive need for the Houston Texans. 

Carter is a massive presence on the interior defensive line and could be the most talented player in the draft. 

However, there are off-field concerns with Carter and it was recently announced that the top prospect will not even meet with teams picking outside of the top 10. 

The Texans were dreadful against the run in 2022, and Carter would certainly change that. Carter frequently bullies offensive linemen and has no trouble getting to the backfield. In 2022, Carter collected seven tackles for loss and three sacks, demonstrating a unique ability to rush the pass and stuff the run. 

Nevertheless, picking Carter at No. 2 would be a massive stretch for the Texans. Yes, defensive line help is needed, but nowhere near as desperately as a franchise QB is. 

I find it hard to justify taking a defender when either CJ Stroud or Bryce Young is on the board. I could see a scenario in which general manager Nick Caserio is not in love with a QB and decides to go best player available. 

Factor in that new head coach DeMeco Ryans is a defensive coach, and this scenario is more likely. However, counting on a QB being available at No. 12 is probably unwise. 

The Texans could easily take a defender at No. 2 and then be looking at a board where Hendon Hooker is the best QB available at No. 12. 

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

Anderson might be the best overall prospect in this class. Multiple media outlets have Anderson ranked as the top player available. 

As previously mentioned, no prospect is a "sure thing," but Anderson is probably the closest thing to one. Anderson is a two-time All-American, a two-time Nagurski Award winner, and a Bednarik Award winner. 

Only the legendary Derrick Thomas finished his Alabama career with more sacks than Anderson. 

Anderson is the most polished pass-rusher in this class and will be a productive edge from day one. Unlike other edge rushers, Anderson is passable in defending the run as well. A talent like this could be very enticing to Ryans and Caserio. 

Anderson might be an All-Pro pass rusher who gets double-digit sacks every season for a decade. This would still not be as impactful as landing a franchise quarterback, which the team could potentially do instead. 

It would be hard to be upset with a team for drafting an elite pass rusher who had 34.5 sacks in college, but the Texans' need for a franchise QB trumps a pass rusher. 

Final Thoughts: When a team is picking at No. 2, there will assuredly be enticing options. Regardless of how good these players are, teams in the Texans' position must address the QB position before anything else. 

Carter and Anderson Jr. are elite defenders and prospects, but the Texans are not one player away from being competitive. Get either Stroud or Young and hopefully the QB position is not a need for years to come.