Mock draft projections signal a pivotal offensive line reinforcement for C.J. Stroud, aiming to bolster protection and revitalize Houston's attack.
The Houston Texans have enjoyed some success over the last three years, but their weaknesses are clear. It all starts with the offensive line. Once the franchise properly addresses those five spots along the offensive line, the rest of the offense will improve, especially the running game. It will also help young quarterback C.J. Stroud return to his rookie form, as he looked like a potential superstar in 2023.
Stroud has not played as well over the past two years, but much of that does not fall on him. He has made his mistakes, but he is facing constant pressure. The Texans have also been relatively beat up at important skill positions on offense the last couple of years. Rebuilding the offensive line and getting healthy will help the offense take a step forward in 2026.
The Texans drafted Aireontae Ersery in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he showed signs of being a great tackle during the 2025 season. The next step is to address the other tackle spot, and draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the team doing exactly that in his mock draft by selecting Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick, "Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build around on the offensive line."
Lomu has spent the last three seasons at Utah, and he was a redshirt sophomore in 2025. He started at left tackle in every game for Utah in 2025, and he has built up some momentum to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston also has the 38th overall pick in the draft, and there is a slight chance that Lomu could fall to that spot if the Texans decide to go after someone else in the first round.
Making life easier on Stroud should be a major goal for the Texans as a franchise. The quarterback is under fire for the way the 2025 season ended and for his two postseason performances, but it is important to note that he has still been a good quarterback over the last two years. The franchise has no reason to give up on the young quarterback, but it does need to do everything in its power to make the game easier. Building up the offensive line is a good way to do that, especially at the two tackle spots. This should also improve the running game, which has been a weakness for Houston.