Throwback: Grading the Texans' 2025 NFL Draft Class

It’s still early in the Houston Texans’ 2025 NFL Draft class’s career, but it’s time to grade them after their rookie season. Obviously, this grade is completely subjective and doesn’t define them as a player. However, this is how I see their past performances and their future outlook.

Having said that, it’s time to get into the grades for the Texans' 2025 draft class.

2:34- Jayden Higgins

Jayden Higgins ended his rookie season with a respectable 50 receptions for 623 yards and six touchdowns. The former Iowa State Cyclone instantly established himself as a primary target for CJ Stroud and is expected to break out onto the national scene in his sophomore campaign. Everything will be clearer after 2026, but this pick should be viewed optimistically so far.

Grade: B+

2:48- Aireontae Ersery

Aireontae Ersery struggled early in his career, which is to be expected when a rookie’s thrown into the fire. However, he mightily improved throughout the season and ended the year as a reliable blocker, only giving up one sack in his final eight games. Now, he has the chance to fully establish himself as the future blindside protector for Stroud if he can impress once again.

Grade: B

3:79- Jaylin Noel

Jaylin Noel was buried on the Texans' depth chart last year, only tallying 26 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns. The shifty slot receiver is expected to see an increased role in 2026, but his usage last year raises questions about him. Noel still has potential, but he needs to show it this season.

Grade: C

4:116- Woody Marks

Woody Marks had an exceptional rookie season with 832 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, he added another 227 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. The Texans brought in David Montgomery to be the starter, but Marks will still play a key role in the offense and be an impactful player for the foreseeable future.

Grade: A

6:187- Jaylen Reed

Jaylen Reed had a tumultuous rookie season highlighted by injuries. He spent the start of the season on the physically unable to perform list with a foot problem, then suffered a forearm injury in week 13 that ended his season. Despite this, he was impressive when healthy and can be a starting-caliber player when available. However, he must remain healthy to show it.

Grade: C-

6:197- Graham Mertz

Graham Mertz is firmly the third-string quarterback for the Texans behind CJ Stroud and Davis Mills. He didn’t see any snaps during the regular season and had a disappointing 2025 preseason, with a ⅓ touchdown to interception ration. He doesn’t have a bright future on the team and won’t see the field barring major injuries.

Grade: D

7:244- Kyonte Hamilton

Kyonte Hamilton fractured his ankle in training camp last year and missed the entire season. As a result, the coaching staff has had little exposure to him. Now, he is set to compete for a roster position in a crowded defensive tackle room. It’s hard to say exactly where he stands, but for now he’s likely a practice squad player.

Grade: D

7:255- Luke Lachey

Luke Lachey spent the entire 2025 season on the practice squad, then was subsequently released this offseason. He’s currently with the Green Bay Packers and seeks to revitalize his career there. It’s a seventh-round pick, but this selection didn’t work out.

Grade: F