With three early picks, the Texans are poised to bolster their roster and potentially secure a dominant defensive tackle prospect for the future.
The Houston Texans are in a good spot for the 2026 NFL Draft, as the team holds three selections in the first two rounds. This will allow General Manager Nick Caserio to add significant quality depth while upgrading certain areas of the roster, which will hopefully get the franchise one step closer to getting over the hump of the Divisional Round of the postseason.
It remains unclear what the Texans plan to do at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. The organization has not shied away from making trades once the draft kicks off, and that is certainly on the table. However, if Houston sticks at its spot at the 28th overall pick, it is hard to tell what direction the organization might go. Offensive line has been a clear need for the team, but the franchise could also use some talent and youth at defensive tackle.
The current starters at defensive tackle for the Texans are Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai, both of whom have performed well for Houston. However, it would be completely understandable if the organization decides to attack the position with one of its first few picks. Houston holds the 28th overall pick, the 38th overall pick, and the 59th overall pick in the first two rounds.
The Texans could avoid drafting a defensive tackle in the first round because there is a chance that the top defensive tackle prospects don't come off of the board until Day 2. Jordan Reid of ESPN believes there is a chance that no defensive tackles come off the board on Day 1, which would benefit Houston, "For the first time since 2021, it is possible that no defensive tackles could be selected in Round 1. I haven't found a team that has a true first-round grade on any defensive tackle. With Caleb Banks (Florida) recently having foot surgery, he's likely to be a Day 2 pick. The inconsistencies of Peter Woods (Clemson) throughout the season and during the predraft process have caused most teams I have spoken with to put an early-to-mid second-round mark on him. Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) has mixed reviews because of his lack of pass-rushing ability; many teams wouldn't use a first-round pick on a two-down interior defender."
If the defensive tackle position goes untouched on Day 1, there is a good chance that one of Kayden McDonald, Caleb Banks, or Peter Woods will be available for Houston with the 38th pick. That would be great value, and it would allow the organization to address the offensive line with its top pick.