Sitting at 0-2, some Houston Texans fans have waved the white flag and are getting ready for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Of course, there's still over a dozen games left on the schedule and the Texans could be right back in the running for a conference title by the time mid-October rolls around, but as things stand now, the once-feared defensive unit, headlined by head coach DeMeco Ryans, would be picking at No. 1.
And if that happens, one could only assume it would take a generational talent for the Texans to pass on a quarterback, right? Well, there's one in the draft who could challenge any passer for the top spot, and Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzanohas the Texans landing him with the top pick.
Manzano recently released hislatest 2027 NFL mock
draft of the cycle, showing the depth of every position where things stand entering October. At No. 1, with a need for a game-changing playmaker on the outside, Manzano has Houston landing Ohio State wide receiver and consensus All-American Jeremiah Smith.
"Houston passing on a quarterback in this scenario isn’t really a testament to C.J. Stroud being the long-term answer at the position. This is more about the lack of an Andrew Luck–like QB prospect in this class and Smith truly being a once-in-a-generation player," Manzano wrote. "Smith is the kind of player who can help a quarterback such as Stroud find consistency and elevate his game. He’s a 6'3", 223-pound menace downfield with a rare combination of size and speed. Smith has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones—he’s that good."
Stroud, who is currently third in passing yards, still remains an issue with the franchise because of the inability to win, but he's been good enough to secure another season with the team entering 2027. And while targeting an offensive lineman to bolster the trenches would make sense, wide receiver play has been putrid with Pro Bowler Nico Collins sidelines.
Ever since his freshman year, Smith has been viewed as special. He helped the Buckeyes secure their first national title in 10 years with his game-sealing reception over Notre Dame while also putting up over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Can’t wait for Jeremiah Smith to be in the NFL
— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) November 1, 2025
- signed every big ten fanbase pic.twitter.com/noN1tHKL24
Last season, Smith took a slight step back, but was still an All-American while totaling 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. This season, he's on pace to finish with over 1,900 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns while competing to win the Heisman Trophy.
Given that Houston needs wide receiver help long-term, especially with the lingering injuries to Collins and the questions surrounding Tank Dell beyond 2026, the No. 1 pick should be in play to use on Smith. There are few players with the potential of the 6-foot-4 Miami native in the pros at this time, so to give Stroud a legitimate game-changer could be the reason Houston returns to peak form next fall.
Of course, Houston likely won't have the No. 1 overall pick, but it's fun to envision, right?
To read Manzano's full mock draft, click here.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans land generational WR Jeremiah Smith in new 2027 NFL mock draft
