Draft Freedom Present for Texans After Solid Free Agency
Wyatt Teller is pumped to be on the Texans
Nick Caserio has often said he doesn’t know what draft for need means. The general manager’s contention has always been that the Texans draft the best player available.
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.
