Insider: Texans could select Texas Tech DE in first round instead of QB

An unexpected first-round selection may interest the Texans. However, it's a tremendous wager and must payoff to avoid a fourth-straight losing season in Houston.  

Peter King of NBC Sports believes Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson is on the Texans' radar with their top selection (No. 2 overall) instead of a QB and Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. — the top-ranked defensive prospect, per ESPN's Todd McShay.

"I will not be particularly surprised if Houston — whether at two or through a trade-down if the Texans don't take a QB — take Wilson over Anderson Jr.," wrote King.

The Texans' thought process is bemusing since they need a viable starting QB. Davis Mills tied the league lead in interceptions last season (15 in 15 games). Mills also has a 5-19-1 record as a starter. Backup QB Case Keenum, 35, is 29-35 as a starter. 

Per ESPN's Jordan Reid, there are four QBs with a first-round grade (Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis), so passing on one seems illogical.

Additionally, if Houston wants to take a pass-rusher, Anderson Jr. is a better prospect than Wilson because he's more polished. 

Over the past two seasons, Anderson Jr. has 202 tackles, 48 tackles for a loss and 27.5 sacks in 28 games. Wilson had 99 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in 23 games. 

Nonetheless, new Houston HC DeMeco Ryans reportedly loves Wilson's upside. An unnamed source, who's close to the HC, told King, "Ryans could look at Wilson after his year in San Francisco and say, 'I got my Nick Bosa.'"

Houston does have another first-rounder (No. 12 overall), but it's unlikely Anderson Jr. or one of the QBs will remain. Each is a projected top-10 pick, per Tankathon. 

The Texans should strongly reconsider this idea before the draft starts on April 27 because it disregards needs, and they may miss out on a better player who fulfills the same role.