Texans' DeMeco Ryans Calls Bryce Young an 'Outstanding' QB Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Consider new Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans a fan of Alabama quarterback and NFL prospect Bryce Young.

"I know Bryce is an outstanding leader from what I've seen, and an outstanding quarterback," he told reporters Tuesday. "It's no surprise the success that he's had. Just because of the makeup, the type of guy that he is. Wishing him the best moving forward."

There will obviously be extra attention paid to anything that a prominent member of the Texans says about any of the prized quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL draft, given that the team has a major need at the position and holds the No. 2 overall selection.

Depending on what the Chicago Bears do at No. 1, that could mean the Texans have their pick of quarterback options, though it's also possible the Bears either use the selection on a young quarterback and trade Justin Fields or trade the pick to a quarterback-needy team looking to leapfrog Houston.

Young will certainly be a consideration either way. The former Alabama star had a dynamic college career, throwing for 4872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions during his Heisman Trophy-winning season.

Last season wasn't as dynamic but also didn't hurt his draft stock, as he threw for 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions. For his college career he's completed a very solid 65.8 percent of his passes. He also won a title in his freshman season, though primarily as Mac Jones' backup.

Most of the focus around the Texans this offseason will be about that No. 2 overall selection and the quarterback position. But general manager Nick Caserio said he and Ryans are focused on building the foundation of a strong overall roster.

"Philosophically, DeMeco and I feel it's not about one player," he told reporters Tuesday. "It's not about one position. It's about building a good team, and if you have a good team, that allows you to go out there on Sunday and have some success. So, that's what our focus is going to be."

Locking down the quarterback position certainly makes it easier to field a contender, however, and Young is one of the intriguing options available, joining players like C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson.