Stunning Franchise Change: The Texans Could Win The 2023 AFC South
For too long, the Texans have lived in the cellar of the AFC South, wandering directionless amidst cap concerns, bloated contracts, and years of bad drafting. With the 2023 draft, they look to turn a corner toward a brighter future—a future of hope in a new identity and a new crop of players.
Notable Additions To The Texans Roster
The Texans have added talent across the roster over the last several years, but some notable additions will come from the 2023 draft class. CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Juice Scruggs, Nathaniel Dell, Henry To’oTo’o, and Xavier Hutchinson highlight the incoming class of nine rookies looking to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. However, the notable storylines of this class will undoubtedly be the second and third overall picks.
Found the end zone 🤘 Our Draft picks have 147 combined TDs across their collegiate careers. pic.twitter.com/jgcJY2saYF — Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 4, 2023
Pre-draft media circulated the idea for weeks that the Texans were torn between CJ Stroud and Will Anderson, with the likelihood that they could pass on the signal-caller in favor of the pass-rusher. As it turned out, both scenarios came true as the Texans shocked the world and traded up to the third overall pick to take Anderson and Stroud together. With a potential franchise player on both sides of the ball, it’s easy to see why Texans fans should be optimistic this year.
Texans Look To A New Style Offense And Defense
The other significant change for the Texans will come from coaching and play-calling, with the past few years lending an unwatchable product on offense and a predictable coverage scheme on defense. It’s unclear yet whether Demeco Ryans will call plays for the Texans, but what he brings, either way is a new sense of confidence and training to members of the defense. Ryans had a successful career in the NFL and led the 49ers unit to be one of the best in the league, so he will undoubtedly build his defense around the strengths of the players they’ve brought in.
On offense, Bobby Slowik will look to implement a version of the West Coast offense that builds around a run-heavy zone scheme and maximizes YAC. Compared to the 49ers’ scheme, there are some prominent areas of similarity and difference. Both teams have a strong offensive line with one of the best-left tackles in the game and have versatile running back options to work around the yardage situation. Stroud will likely be considered a massive upgrade at quarterback compared to someone like Jimmy Garappolo, but the offensive passing weapons are weaker than the 49ers. The success of this unit will rely on Stroud’s accuracy, strong offensive line play, and good improvisation by the wide receiver core.
Texans Add Twelfth Man To Squad
The most significant off-season addition couldn’t be drafted or traded for. Instead, the Texans have reignited the passion of their fanbase, bringing energy and enthusiasm back to the building. While there will be some lingering concerns over the trade package that brought Will Anderson into the building, there is no denying that the rebuild had to end at some point. The team’s moves may not vault them to the top of the AFC hierarchy, but it will drive them closer to competitive football. For most fans, that’s enough hope to turn the TV back on and make NRG a destination.
The #NFLDraft is over, & #NFL Power Rankings return!@DaltonBMiller notes that the #Eagles continue to win, NY #Jets/#Giants fans should be happy, and can the #Commanders contend? 📰 https://t.co/ncSEtoPIIA pic.twitter.com/zI0CQ1KynX — Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 29, 2023
Texans’ Future In The AFC South Hierarchy
With so many teams in the AFC dominating the power rankings heading into the season, it doesn’t seem likely that the Texans would compete for a wildcard spot. Their best bet for a chance at the playoffs is to take the AFC South title, held last year by the Jaguars. With the Titans fielding a wide receiver core that might start Kyle Philips and the Colts rolling the dice on Anthony Richardson, the Texans could find themselves in the division’s top half if they play the season well. They could even go from worst to first. Stranger things have happened.
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