Should the Texans consider Kewan Lacy in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy is a potential first-round prospect with his uncanny ability to break tackles, speed in open space, and vision. He’s an enticing option for the Houston Texans and was selected to DeMeco Ryans’ squad in ESPN analyst Jordan Reid’s latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft.
Before we begin, remember the intention of these early mock drafts. They aren’t trying to predict next April; plenty will change before then. Instead, it’s about identifying talented players who could be first-round picks with an impressive season. So, don’t think of Kewan Lacy as the only option for the Texans next year, but as someone to watch throughout 2026.
“Houston finished 22nd in the league in rushing in 2025 and its lead back, David Montgomery, will be 30 next season,” Reid wrote. “Lacy is a long-striding slasher who easily makes defenders miss, and his 24 touchdowns last season were third most in SEC history. He would provide quarterback C.J. Stroud with a potent threat in the backfield who can create yards on the ground or when involved in the passing game.”
As Reid noted, Lacy had a historic 2025 campaign with 1,564 rushing yards and the aforementioned 24 touchdowns. He recorded over 1,000 yards after contact and forced 89 missed tackles, ranking third in the nation. Now, he’s set to anchor the Rebels' rushing attack and be the motor behind a potential playoff team.
Lacy’s elite elusiveness and agility with staggering power separate him from other running backs. He’s dynamic in open space and is a hassle to bring down. In one play, he may choose to juke a defender, then run through their chest on the next snap. He keeps defenders guessing and is nearly impossible to bring down single-handedly.
An underrated aspect of Lacy’s game is his patience and vision behind the line of scrimmage. He allows his blocks to set while scanning the field, then blasts off and flies past first-level defenders. He’s able to find gaps that most running backs can’t see. When required, he uses his rapid cuts to navigate through the backfield and find an open lane if one closes.
The Texans don’t have a long-term answer at running back. Montgomery and Woody Marks are a formidable duo, but aren’t game-changers. That’s something that’s been missing from Houston’s offense recently, stranding Stroud and leaving him vulnerable to the opposing pass rush. DeMeco Ryans must address this next offseason and bolster the rushing attack.
