Houston's recent playoff success might cost them a top draft pick, potentially impacting their crucial offensive line rebuild.
The Houston Texans are one of the NFL franchises attempting to get over the hump. The organization has won a playoff game in each of the last three seasons, but the group has failed to get past the Divisional round. Houston would like to reach the franchise's first-ever AFC Championship Game, and the decision-makers are working to make the right moves to get there.
Houston has done well throughout free agency, as the bulk of the team's signings are likely complete. The Texans brought in some help on defense, signing safety Reed Blankenship to a three-year deal. Houston also addressed its biggest issue, the offensive line. Tackle Braden Smith was signed to a two-year deal, and he was considered one of the top offensive linemen on the open market. Houston also inked a deal with guard Evan Brown, who has bounced around the NFL but was a starter for the better part of the last three years.
Despite the signings, the offensive line still needs to be addressed during the 2026 NFL Draft. The tackle spots are probably fine, but the interior of the offensive line has some question marks, specifically at left guard. Brown could play there, but the franchise will probably want to bring in some competition. One name to watch is Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State.
Ioane is the only clear-cut, first-round interior offensive lineman in the draft. Emmanuel Pregnon, out of Oregon, is another guard, but there are more questions surrounding him. Ioane would be the perfect addition for Houston, but there is a good chance he won't be available by the time the Texans are making their first pick.
Ioane could go as high as the top-15, but he has also been mocked to the Pittsburgh Steelers consistently. The Steelers have a wide-open hole at left guard after losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency, and Ioane would be a natural pick for them with the 21st overall pick.
The Steelers and Texans both need a left guard, and Ioane is the best player available for both teams. The Steelers may end up landing him because Pittsburgh lost to Houston in the Wild Card round of the 2025 postseason. Both teams ended their seasons with disappointment, but Pittsburgh may get the player that both teams need due to their position in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Texans do have a good amount of draft capital, and leapfrogging the Steelers should be on the table.