NFL Rumors: Texans Explore Trading No. 12 Pick; No. 2 Pick Not Generating Interest

While the Houston Texans haven't received much trade interest for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the franchise appears to be considering a move off their second first-round selection.

The Texans have "explored the idea" of trading the No. 12 overall pick ahead of Thursday's first round, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"Texans have made calls about moving back in round one - and also moving back up," Schefter wrote.

With the No. 2 pick, the Texans, at one point, were widely expected to select a franchise quarterback with the likes of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis available this spring.

However, as the draft nears, there have been reports that the franchise is expected to draft a defensive player with that selection

"If Young goes to the Panthers, Houston might take a defensive prospect at No. 2 or trade down," The Athletic's Tashan Reed reported Wednesday. "And although Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is widely viewed as the best defensive player in the draft, Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson is said to be gaining steam."

Additionally, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters April 12 that Houston is not looking for a franchise "savior" with the No. 2 pick, so if the quarterback they like goes first overall, it's very possible they won't draft a signal-caller at No. 2.

Other than a quarterback, the Texans could use a defensive end, wide receiver and center. Anderson and Wilson could be targets at No. 2, but the No. 12 pick presents some interesting options for Houston.

If the Texans feel the player they like at No. 12 will be available later in the first round, then moving back and acquiring more picks in the process would be a no-brainer for the franchise.

If Houston retains the No. 12 pick, some of the best wide receivers available include Quentin Johnston, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jalin Hyatt, Jordan Addison and Zay Flowers. The top centers available include John Michael Schmitz, Steve Avila and Luke Wypler, but it's unclear if the Texans would be open to taking any of those players so high in the draft.