Houston targets offensive line reinforcements and a defensive anchor in this expert's first three-round mock draft, potentially fortifying their future.
The Houston Texans are set for a massive NFL draft this offseason. The draft is so important because of what the team has to address in the trenches.
The Texans added five offensive linemen through re-signings, restructures or otherwise this offseason. Yet if some are to be believed, Houston is still unsettled at the right tackle position which does not bode well for its 2026 prospects. They might have to find that player with their first round pick.
While it could be a difficult task, one expert has Houston passing the draft with flying colors and adding two offensive linemen in the first three rounds, with a defensive tackle in between. ESPN NFL draft expert Matt Miller provided his pick predictions for the big-time additions. Here were two of the three descriptions for top linemen selections.
No. 28, Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller: Signing 30-year-old Braden Smith to a two-year contract solves Houston's right tackle need for the moment, but the Texans' plan to build a young (aka inexpensive) offensive line around C.J. Stroud is still in place. Miller started 54 college games at right tackle and improved every season, allowing only two sacks in 2025. With 34-inch arms and a strong base to block from, Miller profiles as a solid starter with higher-end potential as he develops his run-blocking talents.
No. 59, Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon: "Houston signed 32-year-old Wyatt Teller but can find plenty of long-term guard options in this draft. Pregnon has starter-level strength at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds and brings an impressive ability to redirect defenders in the run game. He's among the toughest, most physical players in the class."
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) runs against Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and cornerback Kamari Lassiter (4) during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round. Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesIn addition to the above two players, Miller has Ohio State star defensive tackle Kayden McDonald falling to the Texans' No. 38 pick. That would be a welcomed surprise.
If the draft were to fall this way and Miller or Pregnon were to hit in their first NFL season, we could look back at the draft as one of the league's best for the 2026 season. That's what the Texans are hoping for with the selections.
It's uncertain if everything will go the Texans' way with how their needs fall to them. Houston may have to combine their No. 28 and 38 pick to trade up for a higher position to get their starting right tackle. But if the draft ends up looking like Miller predicts, look for Houston to enter the season as one of the Top 5 teams in the NFL.