A leading analyst unpacks the Texans' draft dilemma: can they prioritize premium talent or address a glaring offensive line need at pick 28?
The Houston Texans have some huge decisions ahead in the upcoming NFL draft. Their needs may dictate that they buck conventions and draft a little differently this April.
The Texans, of course, still have a well-documented need to fill at right tackle if those who doubt Braden Smith is the permanent answer in 2026 are to be believed. To feel safe about their chances, Houston needs an answer at right tackle. It could shift how they approach their draft board.
NFL analyst Kenneth Levy of SB Nation described what you can expect from the Texans generally speaking based on prior drafts: prioritize top quarterbacks, defensive end, cornerback and wide receiver early, then take linemen, then pivot to the other positions. Levy discussed whether or not that is possible for the Texans this draft.
"This three-pronged approach has netted multiple Pro Bowlers and All Pros at primary positions but has resulted in glaring deficiencies along the offensive line. Caserio’s dogma was illustrated in this recent post on X outlining spending over the past five drafts. The Texans clearly emphasized defensive backs, lineman, and wide receivers over other positional groups.
However, Caserio’s formula won’t work in this draft. First, the 2026 draft class is not loaded at those premium positions. Second, Houston is well equipped at those premium positions for multiple years. Utilizing a high-end draft pick to be a multi-year backup is not a suitable strategy while Houston is in “win now” mode. If an elite player with a first round grade falls due to their position more than their talent, Houston could be ripe to add an elite player to their roster."
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesDo the Texans go for value or do they overdraft a player? Or would we see the team trade back to get the best value on a tackle they don't view as elite?
The above questions are ones the team will have to weigh. Ultimately, if you think you have a starting right tackle it is hard to argue that you can really overdraft a player. Go get that player. Then again, if the next Justin Jefferson falls to No. 28, as unlikely as that might be, it's hard to say that the Texans can go draft a serviceable offensive tackle in his place.
The Texans will have tough decisions to look at when they pick at No. 28. Fortunately, they have two second-round picks with which they can find other players to address what they don't get with their first pick.