Dream defensive tackles or nightmare right tackles? An analyst breaks down the Texans' pivotal draft choices, revealing ideal outcomes and potential pitfalls.
The Houston Texans have a can't miss NFL draft ahead. By "can't miss," we don't mean you need to be tuned in for every pick. We mean they literally cannot miss out on making impact additions with their picks this offseason.
One NFL writer discussed the importance of the team not only making the right picks, but the right picks still being available when the Texans select at No. 28. SB Nation's Kenneth Levy discussed dream and nightmare scenarios for Houston ahead of a pivotal NFL draft.
"Dream: Caleb Banks and Peter Woods go before the Texans first round pick instead of Kayden McDonald and Christen Miller. This defensive tackle class is quite interesting. Caleb Banks and Peter Woods are the most talented prospects, but had disappointing 2025 seasons. Christen Miller and Kayden McDonald are the runners-up in the class, but lack any semblance of a pass rush. Both Miller and McDonald are better fits for Houston’s run defense. If either are on the board at 28 or 38, the Texans should nab them and secure their defensive tackle for the future.
Nightmare: Texans spend a first or second round pick on a developmental right tackle. The term ‘win now’ has become a tired platitude used by fans to encourage front offices to over-invest in the hopes of securing a ring. Houston is in one of those windows. While it would be enticing to draft an offensive tackle to sit behind Braden Smith and Trent Brown for two seasons, that pick could be used across the entire team to improve the roster now. The Texans don’t need a third string tackle… they need a starter somewhere on this offense."
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) stands in the pocket against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesWhether or not a defensive tackle fails to reach the No. 28 pick is a nightmare scenario is in the eye of the beholder. The same could be said of a great defensive tackle at 28 being a dream scenario. It can be argued the Texans have a much greater need at offensive tackle than defensive tackle for the 2026 season. Nevertheless, an elite interior defensive lineman is not something to dismiss for the Texans in the first round.
The Texans need a right tackle, but they need one that can play right away as Levy indicates. If Houston reaches for a tackle that isn't ready, it still won't be any closer to having an improved offense than if they had ignored tackle completely. The Texans will reveal what they think of the two positions in the upcoming NFL draft.