The Houston Texans built on their surprising 2023 campaign by winning the AFC South for a second straight season in 2024. The Texans were ultimately defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. This offseason will be about elevating themselves to legitimate AFC contenders.
The Texans own the No. 26 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud needs more help. The Texans have weaknesses, particularly across the interior of their offensive line. We’ve conducted a seven-round mock draft that addresses their holes.
Round 1 (No. 25 overall): Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
All three interior positions were a disaster for the Texans throughout 2024. Four blockers played more than 500 snaps inside. They combined to allow 96 pressures in pass protection, with Shaq Mason and Kenyon Green especially struggling. Stroud was constantly under pressure up the middle.
Tyler Booker would be an immediate starter at guard. Booker is a phone-booth blocker who overwhelms his opponents with raw power. Addressing the interior offensive line has to be Houston's top priority this summer.
Round 2 (No. 58 overall): Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
Tank Dell is recovering from another serious season-ending injury. Some veteran Texans pass-catchers are also slated for free agency, including Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods. Nick Caserio will probably invest a top-100 selection at wide receiver.
Jalen Royals would check a lot of boxes for new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Royals is a dynamic route-runner who uses physicality and explosiveness to create separation. He would be a terrific complement to Nico Collins.
Round 3 (No. 89 overall): Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
Houston's center spot was a revolving door. Juice Scruggs was kicked to guard and replaced by Jarrett Patterson. In case Scruggs remains at guard, drafting Jared Wilson would give DeMeco Ryans another option at center.
Wilson is an elite athlete in space. The Georgia standout is also an advanced hand-fighter, using technique to dictate the action in close quarters. Wilson plays with the leverage required to be a high-level NFL center.
Round 4 (No. 127 overall): CJ West, DT, Indiana
The Texans love rotating defensive linemen. A bunch of them are scheduled for free agency. That list includes Foley Fatukasi, Derek Barnett, Jerry Hughes, and Mario Edwards Jr. Ryans will draft one to keep the rotation going.
CJ West was outstanding at last week's East-West Shrine Bowl. West plays with terrific leverage and he's versatile as a pass rusher and run stopper. He'll appeal to Ryans' coaching style.
Round 5 (No. 167 overall): BJ Adams, CB, UCF
Caserio and Ryans draft defensive backs as good as any regime in the league. Last year, they added immediate high-level contributors in Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock. With players like Myles Bryant, MJ Stewart, and Jeff Okudah set to reach the open market, they'll use a day-three pick on a versatile DB.
UCF cornerback BJ Adams turned heads at the Senior Bowl, using his week in Mobile to improve his pre-draft stock. Adams is super long and physical. That's a fit for Ryans’ defensive scheme.
Round 7 (No. 243 overall): Karene Reid, LB, Utah
A bunch of off-ball linebackers played 2024 on expiring contracts. That list includes Devin White and Neville Hewitt. Karene Reid is an instinctive prospect with high football IQ and special teams upside.
