How do they fit the current roster? Let’s dive in.

26th Overall - OL - Keylan Rutledge - Georgia Tech

The top pick for the Houston Texans, and their first selection in the first round since Will Andersion Jr., doesn’t have a defined role. Rutledge is a mauler who played almost every snap at right guard in college. The Texans brought veteran Ed Ingram back on a massive multi-year contract to play right guard. The team added veteran Wyatt Teller to play left guard.

Beating out those two veterans isn’t impossible. Aireontae Ersery beat out Cam Robinson last season to be the team’s starting left tackle. Robinson might have been an easier foe than Teller or Ingram at this point in their careers. Another position presents a different set of challenges.

The Texans need better production from their center in 2026. Rutledge didn’t play center, but he was the emergency center for Georgia Tech, and he spent the offseason working on snapping the football. While he might have a physical advantage over all the other center candidates, they possess vastly more experience.

Jake Andrews played center for the Texans last season. Jarrett Patterson has played center for multiple seasons in the NFL. Evan Brown previously played center in his NFL career. Eli Cox played center at Kentucky.

Rutledge has competition wherever the team intends for him to land. He said last week he isn’t afraid to compete for his spot.

36th Overall - DT - Kayden McDonald - Ohio State

It’s quite the win for the Texans to add what many believe is the best defensive tackle in the draft. McDonald mentioned the team told him they thought highly of him. General manager Nick Caserio reinforced their belief in McDonald’s place within this draft class.

While there are experienced veterans in his position, McDonald possesses the size and run-stuffing ability that his new teammates don’t. He is an early-down player until his pass rush moves develop. DeMeco Ryans spoke about his ability with an excitement that indicated he has more pass-rush prowess than he showed in college. McDonald might end up being a steal for the league’s best defense.

As a bonus, for a team trying to get better at running the football, McDonald presents an excellent test case for improving the rushing attack.

59th Overall - TE - Marlin Klein - Michigan

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Something the Defense Didn’t Have

Kayden McDonald’s skill set is one of the only things the Houston Texans didn’t have on their elite defense. DeMeco Ryans has a unit flush with talent, but nobody quite like the 6’2” 330-pounder from Ohio State. The body type is different from the rest of the defensive line room.

He is a run-stuffing machine. McDonald punishes opposing rushing attacks with his power, size, and anticipation. He finished his 2025 season with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. McDonald rotated, so it is impressive that his tackle numbers are near those of standout teammates Arvell Reece and Caleb Downs.

“You know, we felt McDonald was probably the best run defender in the draft,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “Had a really productive season. Defensive tackle that was involved in 60 tackles or 60-plus tackles, whatever it is. It’s pretty impressive. The first unanimous defensive tackle, unanimous All-American defensive tackle in history in Ohio State’s program.”

Caserio said he leaned on relationships he had in the building at Ohio State, including former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, to round out their understanding of McDonald. The feedback from the relationships confirmed how the Texans felt about their newest defensive addition.

The trade-up for McDonald was negligible for Caserio, but he undersold his maneuvering. He was nonchalant about the move that dropped the Texans 26 spots, from the back of the third round to the third round. He couched it as what they felt they needed to get the player they desired. He said, “You’re not really doing anything,” but he was wrong.

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“The makeup on this guy is elite,” general manager Nick Caserio said. “A couple of the metrics that we have when we grade players, in four or five categories, there was one player in the draft that our scouts graded the way that they did, and it was him. That was, we didn’t talk to him at the combine because we didn’t need to. We might have even interviewed him at the Senior Bowl, but we didn’t need to.”

Rutledge said his goal is to be tough, relentless, and “punch people in the face” as an offensive lineman.

Rutledge is a career right guard who has been working to add the ability to play center to his game. He worked out at center during the Senior Bowl practices this year. Rutledge was one of the standouts at the All-Star Game, especially on day one. Houston Texans offensive line coach Cole Popovich observed day one of the practices in person. Rutledge was asked to tone down some of his aggressiveness in the drills. Numerous linemen took offense to his physicality.

He said, “I’m so comfortable” at center because his college coach, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key, said he expected Rutledge would be asked to play all the inside line positions. Rutledge served at the team’s emergency center.

Caserio stopped short of putting a position next to Rutledge’s name.

“We’ll see how it goes,” he said. “Where is he going to play? We’ll see. Nobody knows. We’ll figure that out as we go.”

He didn’t rule out time at center for the newest Texan.

“If a guy can put his hand on the ball, then okay, what does that look like, then the communication that’s involved with it,” he said. “Again, when a player walks in the building, we’ll put things on his plate, see what they can handle and see how quickly they can adapt and adjust to what we’re asking them to do.”

The Texans traded up two spots in the first round. It wasn’t a cheap move. Houston dropped 22 spots in the third round and sent a fifth-rounder over to the Bills. Buffalo made out like bandits. The original spot, 28th overall, might have been a little rich for the selection. The San Francisco 49ers moved back from the 27th pick after the Texans moved up. It’s possible the 49ers were interested in Rutledge.

It’s worth wondering whether last year’s draft results, in which numerous offensive linemen came off the board before the Texans were on the clock, played a role in Caserio’s aggressiveness.

Rutledge will have a hard time justifying his draft slot if he isn’t competing at center.

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Who will the Texans select with the 28th overall pick?

The shopping list is varied, with nothing sticking out as a need compared to previous years. Combining the expected availability of prospects and what the Texans could use, the trenches seem like a safe bet.

Defensive end should be the priority, but defensive tackle is a worthwhile investment. There should be a draftable defensive tackle that can affect the rotation right away, all the way through the middle point of the draft. Of course, there are reps at defensive end as well with the rotation DeMeco Ryans uses on his defense.

The offensive line doesn’t rotate, and so there aren’t reps available. The rookie would be a backup with a chance to play when there are injuries. Tackle availability might make it the move, but a guard isn’t out of the question. Those wanting a center need to wait for day two.

So, who will it be? Here’s my guess.

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It feels like many teams want to move down, a few teams want to move up, and nobody wants to pay market value to move around. Various reports have linked the Arizona Cardinals (3rd overall), the Tennessee Titans (4th overall), and the Cleveland Browns (6th and 24th overall) as teams that would like to move back. The New York Giants (5th and 10th overall), Kansas City Chiefs (9th and 29th overall), and Los Angeles Rams (13th overall) might want to move up. You want silly? The Dallas Cowboys are rumored to want to move up from 12th overall and down from 20th overall!

The chaos might present a spot where the Texans could take advantage.

Trading up would be tedious, but it shouldn’t be out of the question. The Texans enter this year’s draft with additional draft capital via the Laremy Tunsil trade. Their own selection in the third round was traded a year ago, but they have New York’s selection from last year's trade-back. Houston has no additional draft picks in 2027 and has already dealt their fifth-round selection in next year’s draft.

Who is worthy of chasing in a deal to move up in the first round?

There aren’t many players that should interest Houston in a trade-up, but let’s start with the best player at his position.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq should be a target if the Texans intend to trade up. He’s the top tight end in this class. There were high expectations for Sadiq in 2025. He fulfilled those expectations. Among tight ends, Sadiq finished eighth in receiving yards and led the position with eight touchdown catches. He’s an excellent athlete. Despite his less-than-ideal size for the position, he doesn’t shy away from blocking.

It shouldn’t be a big move up, but Sadiq could help the tight end situation in Houston right away.

What about a player who could be the best at his position? Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano is another player who should be on Houston’s radar if he starts to slip. Fano was a monster in college. He’s an excellent athlete with good size. He played right tackle over the past two seasons and can lock down that position. Many believe he could play guard. Houston should be interested in him as an interior player.

Fano surprised everyone at the NFL Scouting Combine when he decided to participate in drills at center. It’s not a position he has played, nor is guard, but Fano’s skills and size would easily make him the most intriguing center in the draft. If that experiment didn’t work out, the Texans would still have a useful guard or eventual starter at right tackle on their hands. He’d require a trade into the mid-teens. It would be a substantial investment in the offensive line.

That should be about it when it comes to moving up for the Texans. Sure, a small move of a couple of spots for a defensive lineman they love would make sense. That’s a cheaper move than going up the order to get Sadiq or Fano.

Trading back is a far more attractive option.

Caserio did it last year, and if the draft falls a particular way, he should have the chance to do it this year. The New York Jets (33rd overall) and Cardinals (34th overall) sit at the top of the second round. Both could draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The Jets seem less likely, but maybe they’d like to come up for a position they ignored with their first two selections. The Cardinals and Texans have done business before. Houston traded with Arizona to select Will Anderson. Arizona’s general manager, Monti Ossenfort, also worked with Caserio in New England.

While it is hard to find the team, dropping back even further would work as well. The Texans could add draft picks in 2027 if they were moving far enough. Having the 38th overall selection eases the pain of waiting for your selection to show up. Houston’s recent success on day two should excite fans if Caserio can add more selections for Friday.

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Texans Draft Facts

• The Texans have selected nine players in four consecutive drafts

• Nick Caserio has selected one player who did not attend a Power 5 (Now Power 4) school. That player is Tank Dell, and the University of Houston is now in the Big 12.

• The Texans have never selected a player at 28th overall in franchise history. DeAndre Hopkins was selected 27th overall in 2013. Jason Babin was the 27th overall selection by the Texans in 2004. Whitney Mercilus was the 26th overall selection in 2012. Duane Brown was the 26th overall selection in 2008.

• The entire 2025 draft class was selected by a pick acquired via trade.

• The Texans have never drafted a running back or a tight end in the first round. They have used one selection on each position in the second round. Running back Ben Tate was drafted in 2010. Tight end Bennie Joppru was drafted in 2003.

• The Texans have never drafted a punter.

• 2020 was the last time a player was drafted 28th overall who made the Pro Bowl. The Baltimore Ravens selected Patrick Queen that year.

• Two years ago, the Texans selected Blake Fisher with the 59th overall pick. They currently possess the 59th overall pick.

• Tank Dell was the 69th overall pick in 2023. The Texans currently possess the 69th overall pick.

• Henry To’oTo’o was the 167th overall pick in 2023. The Texans currently possess the 167th overall pick.

• Nick Caserio has made 18 draft-day trades during the past three drafts. Five of those trades have been with the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Nick Caserio has drafted four players from Alabama and four players from USC. That is tied for the most from one school in his tenure.

• The Texans have made 22 selections in the first round. The most recent one was Will Anderson Jr. in 2023.

• The Texans have drafted more players in the sixth round, 36 total, than any other round.

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Their needs list has transformed into more of a shopping list. There were clear paths for rookies to start last year. Rookie opportunities should be limited to depth contributions if the offseason additions and health hold up. Still, the long-term upside and the chance to affect the team in 2026 are the goals.

Here is a mock draft that achieves those things.

28th Overall - DE Ahkeem Mesidor, Miami

I love the idea of Mesidor on the Texans. He is one of the few edge players with the upside to take over Danielle Hunter’s spot when Hunter is inevitably priced out of this roster. Mesidor is an older prospect, but he’s still growing as a pass rusher. He’s only played a couple of seasons on the edge after playing on the inside of the defensive line. He might be a little light on his ability to stop the run, but when you’re thinking about drafting this player, you are drafting him to rush the passer. Find the run stuffing elsewhere. Mesidor has a wide range. He should be in the vicinity of when the Texans pick, but it won’t be surprising to see him get called well before Houston is on the clock.

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Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai are starters who return from last year. Logan Hall will help the Texans at defensive tackle. Veteran Naquan Jones played well as a fill-in last year and has a chance to make the team. Last year’s rookies, Kyonte Hamilton and Junior Tafuna, are still around.

If DeMeco Ryans wanted to make a further investment in his defensive interior, there are options. The Texans aren’t afraid to add competition.

Here is a defensive tackle for the Texans in every round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

First Round: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

McDonald is a run-stuffing wizard. He is big and mean. He is a force to be reckoned with on first and second down. In passing situations, well, did I mention how good he is on first down and second down? Jokes aside, the ferocity on early downs against the run is absolutely useful for the Texans, who haven’t had a player quite like McDonald in the time that DeMeco Ryans has been the coach.

He rotated at Ohio State and will rotate with the Texans. McDonald was a one-year starter as well, so there is hope that there is still growth in his game. He had a few pass-rush moments, but there needs to be growth there if he intends to be on the field for all three downs. He should be available, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him slip off the board before the 28th pick.

Second Round: Christen Miller, Georgia

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Stroud is due to make nearly $26 million in 2027. Anderson will make just over $21.5 million.

The number for Anderson is less important. He will likely become the highest-paid defensive player in football by average annual value when he signs an extension this offseason.

Stroud’s number is dubious depending on his 2026 season. A successful season for Stroud means he would be one of the NFL’s best bargains. Starting caliber quarterback play at that number would be a steal for the Texans.

Success from Stroud would likely come with a request, perhaps a demand, for a new deal. He’d be well within his rights, and the money would arrive quickly after the option year. The Texans would be happy to pay it if Stroud turned into a consistently good quarterback.

Failure in 2026 presents a troubling spot for the Texans.

If Stroud plays poorly or doesn’t improve enough, Houston will need to move on. They’d be a prime candidate for a veteran who hits free agency, something similar to Sam Darnold. The Texans could dip into what should be a loaded 2027 draft class, but that might not be the best way to maximize the defense’s window. Recreating a deal similar to when Matt Stafford was traded for Jared Goff would be intriguing. Stroud, of course, would be Goff, but finding a worthwhile quarterback to play Stafford’s role is hard to do right now.

The $26 million is fully guaranteed, and a quarterback who couldn’t get it done would be an anchor at that number. An anchor the Texans would need to unload.

There’s plenty of optimism for Stroud. He wasn’t bad all of last season, though underwhelming is an apt description. Head coach DeMeco Ryans proclaimed this offseason to be the first one for Stroud to maximize his progress. The quarterback has already spent time with a new and elite quarterback coach connected to Stafford and other standout quarterbacks.

The team should be better around him. The Texans invested in the offensive line, and Ryans said to expect more players to be added there. The rushing attack feels much more solidified than the runners the team finished the season with in 2025. The offensive system is unchanged. A new quarterback coach should help progress deeper into the system.

Anderson’s accountant was already making plans for his big deal. Now Stroud can plan for his big payday in 2027. It just remains to be seen if the Texans are the ones paying it.

28th Overall Big Board

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The Houston Texans are scheduled to have eight selections, with four in the top 69 picks. Nick Caserio has left the last four drafts with nine players. He hasn’t made a selection in the first round since the team selected Will Anderson Jr. in 2023.

The offseason to this point has limited the opportunity for starting reps. A year ago, there were paths to starting spots and openings on the two-deep. Most draft picks this year will need to fight for a key depth spot.

Now for the mock draft.

28th Overall - DT Caleb Banks, Florida

I have a hard time seeing Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald making it to 28th overall. If McDonald makes it, he would be selected here. I don’t see it, so I move to a riskier prospect with a higher ceiling, a player with greater risk. Banks would easily be the top defensive tackle in this draft if he were healthy. He missed most of the 2025 season with a foot injury. Banks ended his workout at the NFL Combine early due to another foot injury.

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Dylan Horton is fine, but fine isn’t enough. Dominique Robinson barely played for the pass-rush-starved Chicago Bears. Xavier Thomas has been a backup for a while. Solomon Byrd has been a practice squad player most of his professional career. Sure, I bet Derek Barnett would answer the call at any point, but he isn’t on the team.

My friend Jeff Risdon, who previously covered the Texans and now covers the NFL Draft and the Detroit Lions, has an excellent exercise to help you familiarize yourself with players throughout the draft. Jeff is a fun guy to talk draft with as well. Give him a follow. He was gracious to allow me to steal this exercise.

Here is an edge rusher for every round.

First Round: Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Mesidor spent time as the best pass rusher on the Hurricanes in 2025. He also benefited from a fellow first-rounder, Rueben Bain Jr., being on the other side. They were menaces for opposing offenses. He was third in college football for sacks. He finished fifth in tackles for a loss, but most of those were his sacks. He’s got plenty of juice to his game. He was previously coached by current Texans defensive line coach Rod Wright.

The downsides are things he can and can’t control. He will be 25 as a rookie. That works against him, but DeMeco Ryans, this week, said the Texans don’t immediately disqualify older prospects. The run-stopping isn’t awesome. He isn’t an excellent height/weight/speed guy. Houston should be intrigued by the idea of his pass rush juice on the depth chart. Mesidor becoming a worthy starter opposite Will Anderson Jr. in 2028 is a potential outcome.

Second Round: Zion Young, Missouri

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According to his head coach, it’s been a busy offseason for the quarterback.

“I see a guy who’s dialed in to the offseason,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said at the NFL’s Annual Meetings. “Really working.”

The Annual Meetings, often called the Owner’s Meetings, are the first time Ryans has spoken about Stroud in front of assembled media since the playoff loss to the New England Patriots.

Ryans said he felt like the past couple of offseasons didn’t afford Stroud the opportunity he has in front of him now.

“Whether it was injury or other things, he hasn’t had that full time to dedicate himself to the offseason. So I see a guy who’s in full grind mode right now.”

Stroud had a shoulder injury last offseason that kept him out of the team’s organized team activities. The Texans downplayed the injury, calling it general soreness. Stroud returned from the injury to participate in some of the offseason workouts. Ryans, now, is seemingly confirming that the shoulder affected Stroud more than a few practices last spring.

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This year, that might be believable. The offseason has allowed the Texans freedom in the 2026 NFL Draft that they haven’t had since DeMeco Ryans arrived.

The first draft for Ryans and Caserio was focused on the need for a quarterback and a star. They did just that with Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud’s selections. The Texans needed help in the secondary heading into 2024. The mission was accomplished with the additions of Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock.

Last year’s draft had pressing needs. The offensive line still needed help. The wide receiver room lacked options. Caserio, with much maneuvering, entered day three of the draft with those boxes checked. He would find a contributor at running back before the draft ended as well.

Heading into this draft, the Texans realistically have every starting position filled. The defense didn’t let Sheldon Rankins hit free agency, which left just one potential starting spot open. Redd Blankenship’s addition provided a starting lineup.

The offense would follow suit. David Montgomery is the team’s new running back to pair with Woody Marks. Foster Moreau will compete at tight end. It was the offensive line where Houston really plugged holes. Trent Brown and Ed Ingram, key parts to the improvement of last year’s line, never hit free agency. Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith locked down two spots as veteran additions.

Another Caserio-ism, in which he imagined having to play a game in March, was fulfilled. The Texans could’ve played a game with the roster they have now.

But now they can work to improve it.

With no glaring needs, the Texans can take things in a variety of ways. The additional draft equity also allows them to take on risk if they want. Perhaps a player with an injury history or one who has had a bad draft process. An immediate rotational player or even planning for the future is possible with their early picks. Caserio is no stranger to moving out of the first round. That should be on the table as well.

Caserio’s recent success on the draft’s second day, paired with a late-first that can be used in almost any way, creates a new and different level of excitement for this draft.

The Shopping List

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They did just that.

The Texans saw improvement in blocking in 2025, but they still lacked it in some areas. The rushing attack had spurts of success, but inconsistency was prevalent. There was still work to do.

Like last year, change was necessary.

The changes started similarly to last year. Tytus Howard was shipped off in a trade to a team that wanted him and would pay him, a la Laremy Tunsil. The first day or so of free agency was slow and was led by a defensive addition in safety Reed Blankenship. Then the differences really started.

Braden Smith was added to the tackle room on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million. The long-time Indianapolis Colts right tackle was a monster in the run game. The investment was notable. His total contract was worth more than the entire 2025 free agency investment. Laken Tomlinson, Cam Robinson, and Trent Brown’s contracts totaled less than $20 million for one season. Smith was getting more and was signed for multiple years.

Evan Brown was signed for a small commitment, bringing a veteran presence to the interior. Brown had played center and guard, most recently left guard for the Arizona Cardinals, so he could help in multiple spots. If the Texans had stopped there, they’d have already surpassed last season’s approach on the offensive line. They weren’t done.

Wyatt Teller had been a mainstay in Cleveland for the Browns. The right guard let it be known he wouldn’t be back in Cleveland and had already bid farewell to the city. He was going to play somewhere new, and Houston was that spot. The Texans this week committed to two years of Teller with up to $23 million in his contract. Again, an investment surpassing last year’s.

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Braden Smith is getting added to the offensive line on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million. Smith has spent eight years at right tackle for the Indianapolis Colts. Smith played guard in college, but ended up on with nearly 7,000 snaps on the edge of the Indianapolis line.

He will turn 30 this month. Smith is a solid blocker on passing plays. He has an excellent history of blocking in the ground game. That’s where the Texans needed the most help heading into the offseason. Durability has been an issue after a half-decade in which he didn’t miss many games. Smith missed time with a lower leg injury in 2023, mental health issues in 2024, and saw his 2025 end due to a concussion and neck injury. There is a slight concern about his durability.

Houston already signed Trent Brown back after a solid half-season at right tackle. Smith should supplant Brown as the starter, pushing Brown into the swing tackle role. Both tackles have an injury history, but between the two of them, you should be able to trust at least one of them as long as the season lasts.

General Manager Nick Caserio spent more on Smith’s total contract than his entire offensive line investment in free agency a year ago. It also seems the approach was to spread out the available money across multiple spots rather than shop at the top of the market. Houston was heading into the offseason with just three potentially settled spots. They had a left tackle with Aireontae Ersery, a center in Jake Andrews, and a versatile interior backup in Jarrett Patterson. Now, the team has four starting spots accounted for and their swing tackle position filled.

The Texans still don’t have a starting-quality left guard. Worthwhile options have dwindled, though many went off the market at various investment levels. The Texans have the draft available as a way to upgrade the position if they don’t sign another free agent.

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They leaned even further into that sentiment this week.

Houston moved offensive lineman Tytus Howard for a late-round pick. Howard’s versatility was nice, but there was no long-term future for him. The Texans later that day added a running back who will help their hopeful run-first nature.

David Montgomery is better than anything the Texans used at running back last season. In typical Nick Caserio fashion, the price was high. The Texans sent a fourth-round pick to get the aging, and somewhat expensive, running back. Montgomery will succeed where Woody Marks and Nick Chubb failed in some of the short-yardage situations.

Trent Brown’s return on a modest contract worth up to $7 million was nice. He can start or be a key backup, depending on other investments.

Then came the shocker.

Danielle Hunter, a year ago, got a massive contract extension keeping him on the Texans for another season beyond the next one. Will the Texans follow with underwhelming investments in free agency on the offensive line?

The Texans need offensive linemen. They need them in free agency and need them in the draft. Hunter’s new deal is what a player of his caliber commands. He’s durable, and only Myles Garrett has more sacks over the past four seasons.

He doesn’t block, though.

The commitment to Hunter could affect the ability to invest near the top of the offensive line market. Houston will still add linemen. The chance that they’re the best available at their position seems unlikely.

The Hunter contract frees up some space here in 2026, but it affects the 2027 spending. A big investment in the offensive line would include significant commitments in 2027 and beyond. Hunter’s deal seemingly lessens the chances of those happening, which lowers the available talent pool.

The Texans spent poorly in free agency a year ago. Cam Robinson’s big deal netted them a late-round pick when he was dumped from the bench to the Cleveland Browns. Laken Tomlinson played poorly, rotated with Jucie Scruggs, was benched, then played again, and then ultimately was benched and released.

Their best investment on the line in free agency was a lottery ticket they gave to Brown after his knee injury. While it took a while to be an option, Brown at right tackle was a success.

Houston doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt in being cheap in free agency when it comes to the offensive line. In fact, spending big in free agency is the only thing they haven’t tried. They’ve extended their own linemen and failed. They’ve bet on rookies and failed. They’ve tried short-term cheap fixes in free agency and failed.

The Texans might still have the money to shop at the top. C.J. Stroud isn’t getting a new deal. There are ways to kick the can down the road, which complicates the future but maximizes the present. If they’re able to retool the offensive line better than a year ago while also extending Hunter, that’s incredible work from Caserio and his staff. They would deserve kudos.

I like this draft class of offensive linemen. There are solutions there, though they carry more risk in 2026 than a veteran does.

Hunter’s extension has kept the window open for the defense to be elite. It’s restricted the margin for error for the offense. The Texans had the 2026 defense taken care of, but an investment in the 2027 defense might force Houston to thread the needle for the 2026 offense.

Without improvement for the offense, they’ll have to play excellent defense, run the ball effectively, and hope the quarterback doesn’t make mistakes.

Rushing to Judgment

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Howard was one of the longest-tenured Texans on the team, having been drafted in the first round of 2019. He played mostly right tackle for the Texans with stints at guard mixed into his time. Howard saw injuries plague his 2023 season, but he became one of the more available starters for the Texans over the past two seasons. His versatility allowed the Texans to mix and match until they found a solid line combination.

The Texans acquired a fifth-round pick from the Browns. Cleveland currently owns three selections in the top nine picks in the fifth round. At the time of publishing, it is not clear which of the selections the Texans received in the trade.

The Texans save a little over $4 million in cap space.

His departure leaves just two regular starters from last year’s line in left tackle Airesontae Ersery and center Jake Andrews.

Houston will need offensive line help in free agency and the draft. Ersery and Andrews have each only played one season in the NFL. Andrews missed time during his first two seasons, and last year was Ersery’s rookie season.

Investing in a veteran will be a priority.

The Texans have plenty of free agency options and could look to add a player with experience via trade. Below is a list from last month of offensive linemen the Texans could and should be targeting in free agency.

With numerous spots on the offensive line up for grabs, the Texans need short and long-term options. Veterans on shorter deals are now much more possible, but it would be a good idea to have a steadying force if they can help it.

Of course, the draft is another way to help the line. Though it isn’t ideal to have a lot of young players all on the line together, adding talent from this draft class to some veterans the Texans bring in would be a solid recipe for line building.

Where is the talent in this draft class? I’m glad you asked.

This year’s offensive line class feels a bit deeper, though not as top-heavy at tackle and guard as last season. There are potential starters for guard and right tackle that Houston could find at 28th overall and 38th overall.

The linemen spoke on Saturday and worked out on Sunday. Here are my notes and observations.

• Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane (OG, Penn State) was quite honest about starting his football career. He said the physicality of the game didn’t click for him until he got into his college career. Ioane said he got walloped in practice, and the necessary physicality was clear for him. He proceeded to maul people when he got into the starting lineup at Penn State. Ioane was a First-Team All-American for the Nittany Lions. He’s widely considered the best guard in the draft, and when you think about last year, the best guard is gone early. The Texans might not get a chance at him, but he’s almost worth moving up for if he starts to slip. He told me he had a meeting with the Texans.

• Emmanuel Pregnon (OG, Oregon) had the most unique podium sessions of the day. He took his time to think before speaking, and he gave almost every answer careful consideration. Few topics forced Pregnon to show emotion. He lit up about playing with Woody Marks at USC. He said Marks always had everyone laughing when he finally decided to speak, and said Marks liked to fire everyone up. The other time Pregnon spoke at length with emotion was about his family. He had to convince his mother that football was his sport, not basketball. She was also the one he leaned on during his collegiate football journey. He was lightly recruited out of Wyoming, sat for two seasons, and then finally played and was immediately one of the best linemen in the nation in his first action. He said he transferred schools because he knew he had to keep pushing himself to get better for his eventual NFL journey. His college career culminated at Oregon, where he had an All-American season. He’s an immediate starter at left guard in the NFL with the ability to help the rushing attack. He isn’t bad at pass protection. Pregnon will be in consideration at 28 should the Texans stay there, and would be a steal at 38 with his ability to help right away.

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This class has talent, but it isn’t as significant as a year ago.

Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame) is the top back in the class. He will get nowhere near the Houston Texans. Every other running back in this class would be a massive risk for the Texans to make a lead back or combine with Woody Marks to create the 1-2 punch.

These aren’t bad running backs, but the Texans need something more proven. Marks was inconsistent and injured a lot last year. Pairing him with a young back is a recipe for disaster. The Texans must run the ball better and must have better talent to do that. A free agent investment is a must.

Kenneth Walker III will be the top running back on the market. I was told Houston will pursue the reigning Super Bowl MVP. It won’t be cheap if they get him, but it feels worth it. There are other veteran names down the list that should be in consideration.

A room with a veteran, Marks, and one of these rookies would be leaps and bounds better than last year’s running back room.

Let’s see if any of these backs fit. Here are the observations and notes from the Friday session with the running backs.

• Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame) is widely considered the second-best running back in the draft class. He was a backup at Notre Dame. Price made the most of his opportunities, but he was stuck behind the nation’s best. There isn’t a proof of concept here, but there is massive potential. Price’s workout might turn some eyes. He had 280 carries for about 1,700 yards in his Notre Dame career. I worry about him as a primary option for the Texans without having handled a workload, but if you sold me as a player the Texans add to a room because he possesses skills the other backs don’t, I can start to see the vision. Price told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson he had a formal interview with the Texans.

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The timing is curious.

If Johnson left, that’s a bad look for the Texans and C.J. Stroud. Johnson isn’t leaving for a promotion. He’s likely leaving because he doesn’t believe in an element of the offense. Be it Stroud or Nick Caley’s offense, Johnson wasn’t comfortable enough to have his career continue with the Texans.

If Houston fired Johnson or declined to extend his contract, the timing would be poor for DeMeco Ryans and his staff. Most teams have a staff in place, and the chance to add to the offensive side is limited at this point. Houston will likely shift to a current staffer for the role.

That staffer will likely be Jerry Schuplinski, the team’s current senior offensive assistant/pass game specialist. Schuplinski has been a quarterbacks coach before. He took over in New York after the rookie season for Daniel Jones. Jones played terribly in the two seasons he overlapped with Schuplinski. I won’t put all the blame on Schuplinski there, but Jones was much better before and after Schuplinski. He also coached Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tom Brady. There were better results with the veteran quarterbacks.

Schuplinski is another coach with ties to the New England Patriots and John Carroll University. The Texans, after moving away from the mass hiring of former Patriots coaches, have doubled back on that approach. Caley, Cole Popovich, and reported new tight end coach James Ferentz all have Patriots ties, among many others.

The Patriots way has rarely succeeded without Tom Brady. Drake Maye’s near-MVP season is a successful one with that style of offense, but there isn’t much else.

It might work for C.J. Stroud, but it is his last chance, and perhaps the last chance for this offensive staff as well. If the offense doesn’t work, DeMeco Ryans will be hiring more than a quarterbacks coach next offseason.

Tight Ends and Safeties at the Scouting Combine

The tight ends and safeties met with the media on Thursday. Here were the interesting conversations and notes from those groups.

• Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon) will crush his workout. He was confident, borderline cocky, about the upcoming 40-yard dash. Sadiq would be an excellent selection for the Texans at 28th overall. It’s getting less likely that he makes it that far down the first round. He’s a willing blocker and solid receiver. He isn’t the same quality as the previous three tight ends selected in the first round, but he’s better than most recent non-first-round selections. An excellent workout would put more eyes on him and likely get him to a team with some need on offense to make the selection before he gets to the Texans. If he slips, he’s a steal at 28th overall. Sadiq told Landry Locker met with the Texans.

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• Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) was the podium star. He’s a huge human and showcased his huge personality. He moved from topic to topic with ease and a beaming smile. Hunter proclaimed he is still a wall at defensive tackle. He explained he can’t tell his daughter “no” when she asks for something. Hunter proclaimed one of the best ways to get better in college was to watch the “(expletive) tape” Sunday through Friday. He will be a terror for teams in the running game, but there needs to be some faith that he can rush the passer at some point. He’s a decent pick at 28 and a potential steal at 38 for the Texans. He told Landry Locker he had a formal meeting with the Texans.

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“It’s moronic,” Caserio said. “We’re not trading the guy. He’s our quarterback.”

Caserio left some gray area with Stroud beyond 2026. He said Stroud would be the quarterback for the 2026 season, but noted that anything beyond 2026 was subject to speculation.

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