With ample draft picks, Houston eyes explosive playmakers to bolster the defense, potentially replacing a key veteran linebacker with promising rookie talent.
The Houston Texans are loaded when it comes to draft capital in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team holds the 28th overall selection, as well as two second-round picks and a third-round pick. That gives the franchise plenty of opportunities to find high-impact rookies who could make a difference and, hopefully, get the organization to its first-ever AFC Championship Game.
Many fans expected the 2026 offseason to be completely focused on the offensive side of the football. That was where the majority of Houston's issues occurred in 2025. The defense was dominant force that won games for the team, but the offense was a consistent weakness that showed it needed to be upgraded. The big worry was the regression of quarterback C.J. Stroud, but it is more complex than that. The offensive line was not great and the running game was inefficient, which can make life harder on a quarterback.
Houston has already addressed the offensive line and the running back room, giving the franchise some freedom when making picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. The additions of Evan Brown, Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller, and David Montgomery will allow General Manager Nick Caserio to draft great players without focusing too much on need.
ESPN recently published a piece discussing prospects who might be considered perfect pairings with a franchise at certain spots in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the 38th overall selection, the Texans were paired up with linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. out of Texas, "Hill can add both speed (4.51-second 40-yard dash) and playmaking ability to the second level of coach DeMeco Ryans' defense. At his size, Hill can drop the hammer in the run game or make stops on the perimeter. And he could be schemed up on blitzes under Ryans. Hill had 17 sacks in three college seasons. Houston has plenty of young talent in its secondary, but it could make a play here to add young talent to the front seven."
This would be an interesting pick. Hill could go in the first round, but it is more likely that he falls somewhere in this range. Azeez Al-Shaair is entering the final year of his deal, and while he could see an extension, a player like Hill might be looked at as a replacement. Al-Shaair is one of the leaders of the defense, but it might be the smart financial move for Houston to opt to go with a player on a rookie deal at linebacker after the 2026 season.