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Houston Texans mock draft: Will they really pass on a QB at no. 2?

By Michael Johnson

2023 NFL mock draft; Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 - 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
2023 NFL mock draft; Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alabama Crimson Tide won the game 45 - 20. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Houston Texans mock draft
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – NOVEMBER 19: Drew Sanders #42 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks over the offense during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rebels 42-27. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

In this mock, the Texans make a bold move by passing on a wideout altogether and instead selecting linebacker Drew Sanders in the second round. Here’s why.

At 6’4 235-pounds with sub 4.6 speed, Sanders has all the tools to become a dominant force at linebacker in the NFL. He’s got the fluidity and athleticism to fill gaps in the run game and cover receivers in the middle of the field. He can be stacked behind linemen or walked up on the line of scrimmage, making him a versatile player who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Head coach DeMeco Ryans knows how to develop linebackers into Pro Bowl players, as he did with Fred Warner in San Francisco.

Sanders has unique explosiveness with a lightning-quick first step that allows him to beat blockers and get to the ball carrier in a hurry. He’s also got the power to lay down some serious hits when he does make contact. And despite his size, Sanders has the length and reach to play outside of his tackle radius, making him a threat all over the field.

The former Razorback linebacker does have issues. He’ll need to develop as a run defender and work on his functional strength at the point of attack. But with his athleticism and potential, Sanders is a player worth taking a chance on.

And when you pair Sanders with the Texans’ first-round pick, Will Anderson, you’ve got the makings of a dominant defense. Anderson is a pass-rushing force who can wreak havoc in the backfield, and Sanders is a versatile linebacker who can cover the middle of the field and make plays all over the field. Together, they could form one of the better defenses in the league over the next few seasons.

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