Mel Kiper projects the Texans fortifying their elite secondary in the 2026 Draft, adding a top cornerback to an already dominant defensive backfield.
The Houston Texans are an interesting team to keep an eye on heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise only has one first-round pick, but the organization holds two picks in the second round, including the one that comes in at 38th overall. Houston is set up very well to find some high-impact rookies from this draft class, and that is exactly what the franchise might need to get over the hump that is the Divisional round of the playoffs.
When looking at the Texans on paper, it is quite easy to see where the franchise might be looking to add. It is in the trenches, and it is primarily the interior on both sides of the ball. Houston will probably look to add in these areas early on in the draft, which is exactly what ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper has the organization doing with its first two picks. Kiper believes the Texans would be interested in defensive tackle Christen Miller out of Georgia with the 28th overall pick, "An already elite defense gets better. Houston can put Miller next to Sheldon Rankins on the interior to push the pocket and create more pass-rush opportunities outside for Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The other option would be considering an offensive lineman, but it'd be a slight reach to go get someone on the interior. So, let's keep this defense strong and replenished."
The analyst then has Houston going after a guard with the 38th overall pick as he believes the Texans would pick Chase Bisontis, who is considered one of the top guards coming out of college. He played at Texas A&M.
The end of the second round is where things get interesting. Houston holds the 59th overall pick, and Kiper believes the organization would pick cornerback D'Angelo Ponds out of Indiana in this spot, "The Texans like Jalen Pitre in the slot, and for good reason. But this is a value play on a prospect with solid ball skills (seven INTs over three seasons) and an explosive skill set. Good luck to any team trying to throw the football against Houston next season."
Ponds made a name for himself during Indiana's run to the National Champion during the 2025 season, and he is considered a top cornerback prospect coming into the league. It is hard to imagine he would even be on the board with the 59th overall pick, which might be why Kiper had Houston grabbing him in this spot. Houston's defensive backfield is already elite, but Ponds could add some great depth.