Texans plans could give Colts even more quarterback options in the 2023 NFL Draft

With the 2023 NFL Draft approaching, the Houston Texans may be planning a move that will benefit their AFC South rival: the Indianapolis Colts.

All offseason, the assumption for the 2023 NFL Draft has been that two quarterbacks would be selected in the first two picks. The belief was that Bryce Young and CJ Stroud would be the first two names called; one would go to the Carolina Panthers, and the other would be selected by the Houston Texans. Now, with the draft just over a week away, that may not be the case.

A quarterback is still expected to go No. 1 overall. The Panthers traded up with the plan to select a quarterback, that hasn’t changed. However, it seems like the plan for Houston has changed. Recently, there were murmurs that the Texans may pass on a quarterback and select an edge rusher. Now, that belief is very loud.

On Monday, Houston’s general manager, Nick Caserio, did admit that the Texans have received calls about the No. 2 pick and that they are listening. They aren’t necessarily shopping the pick, but the sense is that the right package could get them to move the No. 2 pick. Additionally, Caserio was noncommittal when asked about drafting a quarterback in this draft.

Also, ESPN’s insider, Adam Schefter, and several other reporters and insiders have said that they don’t expect the Texans to select a quarterback at No. 2. While this could all be smoke screens, there’s one team that’s certainly hoping it’s true: the Indianapolis Colts.

Colts would love for Texans to pass on a quarterback

Chris Ballard has been confident all offseason about remaining at No. 4, and it’s looking like it will work out for the Colts. If Texans can’t trade back, and they actually take a defender, then the same thing happens at No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis will be able to take the second quarterback of the draft at No. 4, without ever having to trade up.

Bryce Young is expected to go No. 1 to Carolina, so the Colts will possibly be deciding between CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis. Indianapolis has spent a lot of time getting to know Levis and Richardson, because for a while, it seemed like Indy would only be able to decide between those two guys. Having Stroud as an option can shake things up in a good way.

Stroud has consistently been ranked as a better prospect than Richardson and Levis. He doesn’t use his athleticism like they use theirs, but Stroud is athletic. Additionally, his current passing ability is ahead of both Levis and Richardson. Stroud considers himself a ball-placement specialist, and he has proven that to be the case.

If CJ Stroud actually makes it to No. 4, along with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, the Colts will have far more quarterback options to choose from than anyone anticipated.

READ MORE: Colts 7-round mock draft 5.0: Trading up for a quarterback