Texans eye future offensive line talent. Unheralded prospect poised to exceed expectations, potentially reshaping Houston's draft strategy.
The Houston Texans already have one of the best rosters in the NFL based off of talent, however there are some clear areas that must be addressed in the upcoming NFL Draft. The offensive line has played poorly over the last two seasons, and that has player a role in both an inefficient running game and the regression of young quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston has already taken steps to upgrade the offensive line through free agency, while also adding a premiere running back via trade.
The Texans added two of the top free agents that were available in free agency in Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller, but both players are closer to the ends of their careers than the beginnings. They each signed a two-year deal, which means adding young talent on the offensive line should still be a priority. Houston also boosted its offense by acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions.
Along the offensive line, center and tackle seem to be spots that should be addressed through the 2026 NFL Draft. One player that has commonly been mocked to the Texans is offensive tackle Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State. Iheanachor is a raw prospect as he has not played football for very long, but his ceiling is high. ESPN's draft expert Mel Kiper believes he is a prospect that is set to outperform his expectations, "Iheanachor should be a first-rounder based on his potential, but he's probably a second-rounder when it's all said and done. For those who don't yet know his story, Iheanachor grew up playing soccer in Nigeria and didn't start playing football until 2022. Four years ago! I love everything about his journey to this point and how he just keeps getting better and better. The arrow is pointing up on Iheanachor."
Iheanachor has been mocked near the end of the first round and at the start of the second, and that is likely where he will fall when the event takes place. Houston holds the 28th overall pick, and he should be considered a strong possibility to be the selection at that spot. He is seen as somewhat of a risky pick as a lot of his draft stock is based on potential, which is something that Kiper mentioned.
The good news for the Texans is that the organization does not have to feel too much pressure to pick Iheanachor at 28. The team also holds the 38th overall pick, and he could be on the board there. Houston could also explore moving back a few picks in the first round, or even allow a team picking at the top of the second round to get back into the first.