Deshaun Watson in 2022. (Akron Beacon-Journal, via USA Today Sports.) Deshaun Watson in 2022. (Akron Beacon-Journal, via USA Today Sports.)

The betting markets predict that Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young will be the Carolina Panthers’ selection with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, there’s a lot of intrigue around who the Houston Texans will select with the No. 2 overall pick.

One possible selection is Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud was considered a top overall prospect entering the process but has seen his stock diminish in recent weeks around concerns about his coachability and a horrible score on the S-2 test, which is supposed to measure rapid-fire cognitive ability.

Stroud also reportedly faces another hurdle in being the Texans’ pick: He shares an agent with controversial Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Texans owner Cal McNair apparently has a lot of ill will towards agent David Mulugheta.

“There’s a lot of bad blood there,’ one anonymous general manager told Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post. “I don’t think (owner Cal McNair) could stomach having Mulugheta’s next top quarterback be the next face of his franchise. I think that’s a non-starter there.’”

The Texans reportedly have interest in Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. and Texas A&M Aggies outside rusher Tyree Wilson. The Texans could also trade out of the No. 2 spot entirely.

The 2023 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Kansas City, Missouri.

[Washington Post]