John McClain: Texans draft 2 quarterbacks, including Clayton Tune as Mr. Irrelevant

John McClain’s mock draft predicting each of the Texans’ 12 picks.

Thanks to general manager Nick Caserio’s wheeling and dealing, the Texans have 12 draft choices, tied for most in the league. They have three of the top 33 picks and five of the first 73 as well as multiple selections in the first, third, sixth, and seventh rounds. Their biggest needs are quarterback, edge rusher, wide receiver, center, safety, and linebacker.

1 (2): Will Anderson Jr., EDGE rusher, 6-4, 253, 4.60, Alabama

The Rotary Lombardi Award winner will be a close call over Tyree Wilson, another edge rusher, as well as a quarterback. Wilson suffered a broken foot in November and wasn’t able to work out. He’s more of a projection. Anderson is the highest-rated prospect on a lot of draft boards. He was consistently outstanding over the last two seasons. He’ll start from Day One for coach DeMeco Ryans.

1 (12): Will Levis, QB, 6-4, 229, 4.62, Kentucky

If Nick Caserio doesn’t take Levis with his first pick, he’ll be too tempting to pass up a second time unless he switches to Hendon Hooker. The Texans can’t come out of the first round without a quarterback unless they believe they can trade for Trey Lance. Levis has the strongest arm in the draft, and he’s a powerful runner. Extremely intelligent but has accuracy issues.

2 (33): Jalin Hyatt, WR, 6-0, 176, 4.40, Tennessee

There aren’t a lot of receivers who are better deep threats than Hyatt. He caught 15 touchdown passes in 2022. Some scouts believe he’s destined to go in the first round, but if he’s available, he’ll be hard for Nick Caserio to pass up. He’ll have to adjust to cornerbacks getting physical with him, but he can take the top off a defense.

3 (65): Luke Wypler, C, 6-3, 303, 5.14, Ohio State

A two-year starter who’s smart, quick, and will solve a need on the offensive line. He seems to be an ideal fit for the zone scheme offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is going to implement because he can get on the second level in a hurry.

3 (73): Colby Wooden, DT, 6-4, 273, 4.79, Auburn

Another defensive lineman for DeMeco Ryans’ 4-3 scheme. He’s a two-year starter who compiled 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in that role. He’s quick off the ball, can penetrate, and gets the kind of inside push the Texans can use. Played in different spots along the line of scrimmage and was usually productive.

4 (104): Jartavius Martin, S, 5-11, 194, 4.46, Illinois

After putting on a show at the combine, coaches see him as a Jalen Pitre-type of defensive back because he can do multiple things. He was a highly productive college player who made plays all over the field. He’s viewed as a safety who can play man or zone coverage as well as slot cornerback.

5 (161): Justin Shorter, WR, 6-4, 229, 4.55, Florida

A two-year starter who transferred from Penn State. Bothered by a hamstring injury for part of last season. He’s got terrific size, kind of a Nico Collins clone. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and become productive on a consistent basis.

6 (188): Dee Winters, LB, 5-11, 227, 4.49, TCU

A three-year starter who can play inside and outside. Great quickness and speed. Produced at a high level each season for the Horned Frogs. Should excel on special teams early in his career but could become an eventual starter.

6 (201): Rejzohn Wright, CB, 6-2, 193, 4.45 (est), Oregon State

A two-year starter with excellent size and good enough speed. He was unable to work out at the combine or his pro day because of injuries, so his evaluation on tape will be important. He’s better in man coverage but can play zone.

6 (203): Will Mallory, TE, 6-5, 239, 4.54, Miami

He’s tall and lanky. Needs to get stronger and put on weight. He looks more like a tall wide receiver. At times, he shows quick, reliable hands. He’s going to need work as a blocker, but he can catch and run.

7 (230): Andrew Vorhees, G, 6-6, 310, (didn’t run) USC

A rare five-year starter who’ll spend his rookie year on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL at the combine. Still, he came out on crutches for his bench press and did 38 repetitions. A great value pick. He’s obviously strong, and he’s also smart and a hard worker. A team that can afford to let him sit as a rookie could end up with a multiyear starter.

7 (259): Clayton Tune, QB, 6-3, 220, 4.63, Houston

One year after the 49ers made quarterback Brock Purdy Mr. Irrelevant, the Texans do the same with Tune. He should be gone by this pick, but it would be interesting. A four-year starter who threw for 4,074 yards and 49 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 544 yards and five touchdowns. If he’s available, the Texans should keep him in town.

(John McClain writes four columns a week for GallerySports.com. He can be heard Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on Sports Radio 610 and Thursday on Texans Radio. He does three weekly Houtopia podcasts for 610. He also can be read three times a week on SportsRadio610.com).