The Houston Texans are in an enviable spot. No team in the league has more draft picks than the team. 

With that being said, the team also has a litany of needs. It is widely expected that the team will prioritize a quarterback with the 2nd pick of the draft. After QB, the team needs to include offensive and defensive line, pass rushers, and offensive weapons. 

First-year HC Demeco Ryans enters his first draft as an NFL HC. With a defensive background, seeing the team go defense-heavy in this draft would not be surprising. With just under two months to go before draft day, I wanted to run through a mock simulator. Due to the unpredictability, I did not allow any trades for this mock. 

Round 1, Pick 2: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

This should be an easy decision assuming the Bears stay put at 1. Bryce Young would immediately give the Texans a young signal-caller to build around. 

The Texans desperately need an identity. After the mediocre play of Davis Mills, the Texans simply have to find a better option for the future. Young could just be the perfect player for the new HC Demeco Ryans. 

Regarding college production, you can't ask for more than what Young has provided. Young leaves Tuscaloosa with the second-most career passing yards in Alabama history with 8,356 in two seasons as the starter. Young was a Consensus All-American, Heisman Award winner, and 2022 Sugar Bowl MVP, among other honors. 

There are concerns about Young's size, but there is no denying the limitless potential. Young also has much experience in one key area- winning football games. The young QB has showcased excellent playmaking ability and great pocket awareness that should translate to the next level. 

Round 1, Pick 12: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

In this scenario, the Texans use their other first-round pick to supply Bryce Young with a weapon. TCU WR Quentin Johnston could provide just what the Texans need- a big, deep-threat receiver who can change a game in the blink of an eye. 

Johnston finished the 2022 season with 60 catches for 1,069 yards and 6 TDs. That type of production would finally give the Texans a receiver that defenses have to fear once again. 

Currently, the Texans have Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, John Metchie III, and Amari Rodgers under contract for 2023 at the WR position. Collins has looked solid in spurts, and Cooks is one of the more consistent receivers in the league. However, the rest of the depth chart needs serious reinforcements. 

Round 2, Pick 33: Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army 

. Here is where the new head coach gets a piece for his defensive system. 

Carter has a massive 6'7" frame and is surprisingly quick off the edge. In 2021, Carter dominated his competition, putting up 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Carter finished his Army career with 18.5 sacks in two seasons as a starter. 

Ryans is used to having a solid stable of pass rushers from his time in San Francisco. Getting Carter here is a good start to building that unit up in Houston. 

Round 3, Pick 65: Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State

Interior offensive line is one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster for Houston. Scott Quessenberry manned the center position in 2022, and left much to be desired. 

Enter Luke Wypler. 

Wypler stands at 6'3", 300 pounds. The lineman started 19 games for the Buckeyes over two seasons, so he is used to playing against talented opponents. Wypler profiles as an eventual starting center who will immediately be an impactful pass blocker. 

Round 3, Pick 73: Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

Despite finishing with a 3-13-1 record, the 2022 Texans were efficient at defending the pass. The team ranked 10th in opponent passing yards per game, in part due to the strong play of 2022 rookies Derek Stingley Jr and Jalen Pitre. 

However, the depth is lacking. The Texans desperately need more starting-caliber pieces in their secondary. Williams ran track in high school and isn't afraid to be physical. The CB ended his college career with 152 tackles and 4 INTs. 

Williams' 2022 season was cut short due to an ACL injury, but assuming his recovery goes well, he could instantly make an impact in the secondary. 

Round 4, Pick 104: Karl Brooks, EDGE, Bowling Green

Brooks is another edge rusher for Ryans to utilize in 2023. The pass rusher out of Bowling Green put up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2022. 

Brooks probably won't make much of an impact against the run, but he has natural pass-rushing ability that should translate. It should be noted that Brooks was not exactly playing against elite competition for the most part. 

Never the less, Brooks is a good mid-round flier here. 

Round 5, Pick 138: Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas

Sticking in Texas, the Texans find a big body to help stuff the middle of the defensive line. Ojomo spent five seasons playing for the Longhorns, and ended his college career 95 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. 

Ojomo won't put up big sack numbers, but he could become a cog that helps strengthen the Texans porous run defense. A relentless motor and impressive football IQ are Ojomo's traits that could interest Ryans. 

Round 6, Pick 179: Cam Jones, LB, Indiana

Jones is built like a modern NFL linebacker at 6'3", 224 pounds. With a background as a defensive back, Jones has the quickness to cover tight ends. 

Jones will most likely cut his teeth in the NFL as a special teams ace due to his strong tackling ability. Eventually, however, Jones could develop into a quality MIKE linebacker in the league. 

Round 6, Pick 188: Keaton Mitchell, RB, East Carolina

While Dameon Pierce should be the workhorse in Houston, the team could use some depth behind him. With Royce Freeman and Rex Burkhead headed for free agency, adding a quality backup to spell Pierce should be a priority. 

Mitchell is an explosive runner who averaged a whopping 7.2 yards per rush in 2022 for the Pirates. Mitchell won't be an every down back in the league, but he would provide an occasional spark with his playmaking ability. 

Round 6, Pick 201: Trey Dean III, S, Florida

If Dean is still available here, he might end up being a steal. While known to whiff on tackles occasionally, Dean has shown ball hawking ability and can really hit. 

With a very thin secondary, a player like Dean would be perfect at this spot. 

Round 6, Pick 203: Will Mallory, TE, Miami

Tight end is another position in which the Texans are thin. With Jordan Akins entering free agency, this position could become an even bigger need by draft time. 

Mallory is primarily a pass-catcher who will need to work on his blocking. The Miami product reeled in 42 receptions and 3 TDs in his final collegiate season. 

Round 7, Pick 239: Caleb Murphy, C, Indiana

Murphy gives the Texans a late-round flier on the interior offensive line. The 6'4" lineman profiles more as a pass blocker and might need time on a practice squad. 

In the 7th round, you can afford to take a developmental piece like Murphy and hope he turns into at least a depth piece. 

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