Playoff woes exposed Houston's tight end vulnerability. With draft capital, should they secure C.J. Stroud's next weapon to prevent future offensive breakdowns?
The 2025 Divisional Round exit was a cold reminder that in the modern NFL, a "safety valve" isn't a luxury—it’s oxygen. For the Houston Texans, that oxygen was cut off the moment Dalton Schultz clutched his calf and limped into the tunnel against the Patriots.
What followed Schultz going down was a nightmare scenario. C.J. Stroud, already missing Nico Collins, was forced to lean on a tight end room with effectively zero high-stakes experience. Whether it was Cade Stover’s developmental growing pains or the lack of a proven vertical threat, the middle of the field became a ghost town. As we look toward the 2026 NFL Draft, Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans face a pivotal question. Do they trust the "youth movement," or is it time to use their significant draft capital to ensure Stroud never has to play "hide and seek" with an open receiver again?
The Lessons of the 2025 Playoff Collapse
The Texans' 12-5 regular season in 2025 was a showcase in efficiency, but the playoffs exposed a "glass jaw" at the tight end position. When Schultz went down, the offense didn't just lose a blocker; it lost its rhythm.
The Experience Vacuum: With Schultz sidelined, the Texans were forced to feature Cade Stover and Harrison Bryant. While talented, the lack of "playoff-ready" chemistry with Stroud was glaring.
Stroud’s Security Blanket: In the regular season, Schultz was a chain-mover (82 receptions, 777 yards). Without him, the Patriots’ defense bracketed the remaining receivers, knowing no one in a Texans uniform could punish them over the middle.
The 2026 Draft War Chest
Fortunately, the Texans aren't exactly "draft-poor." After a flurry of trades over the last two seasons, Houston enters the 2026 Draft with eight total selections, which includes:
- 1st Round: Their own.
- 2nd Round: Two picks (including one from Washington via the Laremy Tunsil trade).
- 3rd Round: One pick (via the New York Giants).
- 4th Round: Two picks.
- 6th Round: One pick (via Philadelphia)
- 7th Round: One Pick (via San Francisco)
With three picks in the top 64, the Texans have the ammunition to snag a premier "move" tight end without sacrificing their ability to address the defense.
Why Pull the Trigger?
While some argue for a defensive tackle or another offensive lineman, the "Why" for a Tight End is simple. The Texans need to gain another tight end for Insurance and Evolution.
1. Premier Options
The league has shifted. Teams are no longer looking for "sixth linemen" who can catch; they want 6'4" monsters who run like receivers. If a prospect like Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) or Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) is available in the late first or early second round, the Texans can transition from a "Schultz-style" safety net to a dynamic mismatch nightmare.
2. Diversifying the Targets
The 2025 playoffs proved that relying on Nico Collins and Tank Dell (who has dealt with significant injury setbacks) is a gamble. A high-end rookie tight end provides a permanent third pillar for this offense outside of Dalton Schultz.
3. The Contract Clock
Dalton Schultz’s three-year deal (signed in 2024) is entering its twilight. By drafting his successor now, the Texans allow a rookie to learn the system for a year before taking the reins in 2027, avoiding the "rookie-with-zero-experience" disaster we saw in the divisional round.
My Two Pennies
The Texans cannot afford to be sentimental. The 16-28 loss to New England wasn't just a defeat, it was a blueprint on how to stifle C.J. Stroud by removing his easiest throws.
With eight picks in the 2026 cycle, Nick Caserio should use one of those top-64 selections on a premier Tight End. It’s not just about adding a player but more-so, it’s about getting the franchise’s greatest asset (Stroud), from being left without a optional manageable target in the cold again.