Texans lose out on No. 1 overall pick as Panthers trade with Bears
Tough blow for the Houston Texans a few days removed from the start of free agency.
When the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off in late April, the Houston Texans won't be on the clock. Instead, it'll be the Carolina Panthers, who just traded for the No. 1 overall pick on Friday afternoon.
The Panthers gave up two first-rounders, including this year's No. 9, and WR D.J. Moore to land the year's top selection. They also sent Chicago two second-round picks (2023 and 2025), per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Biggest reason why the Texans missed out on the No. 1 overall pick?
According to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, the Bears wanted to pull off the trade now because they wanted to make sure they got WR D.J. Moore. By agreeing to a deal with the Panthers now, they get their top wideout before free agency even starts.
Who knows what the Texans front office was willing to give up for the No. 1 overall pick? With four first-rounders over the next couple of years, it's clear they had the draft capital if they were willing to give it up.
But it's clear they didn't count on a wide receiver like Moore, who's still 25 years old and one of the most complete players at his position.
This leaves the Texans without a sense of security as to who will be available when they're on the clock with the second overall pick. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson all have a case to be picked first but the Texans will have a preference when Draft Day rolls around.
Will their guy make it to No. 2? And if he doesn't, are they willing to take their second option instead of taking one of the best defenders in the class?
We'll find out soon enough. But for now, the dream of picking first is over.
The Panthers are now on the clock.
