Houston targets offensive line depth, eyeing a potential first-round guard with a unique flair. Will a surprising draft selection solidify their protection?
The Houston Texans have had a clear goal throughout the 2026 offseason: improve the offensive line. The franchise has already signed one of the top guards that was available in free agency, Wyatt Teller, and the addition of tackle Braden Smith was also a strong signing. Both players are older and were signed to two-year deals, so adding youth to the group should still be considered a priority.
The Texans have a good amount of draft capital throughout the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the offensive line will be an area to keep an eye on. That is especially true at guard, as there should be some good prospects to choose from at the end of the first round and on Day 2 of the event.
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports dropped his third mock draft on Friday. He is better known as a college football expert, but that does lend him some credibility when evaluating talent as prospects prepare to make the jump to the professional level. With the 28th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fornelli has the Texans selecting interior offensive lineman Gennings Dunker out of Iowa, "Dunker could work out at tackle in the NFL, or he could be better suited inside at guard. Either way, the Texans can use him. Plus, you can sell mullet wigs at games."
Dunker is one of the more beloved prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that isn't necessarily because of his play. He is a good player who should be taken off the board, but he is seen more as a Day 2 selection than a first-round pick. He has amassed a good number of fans because he rocks a ginger mullet, and he seems to be the perfect embodiment of an offensive lineman.
Dunker has been a starter at Iowa since his sophomore season in 2023. He has been extremely reliable for the Hawkeyes, and he could certainly be a good guard at the NFL level. Fornelli also mentioned his versatility, which is important for Houston given the offensive line's lack of depth. He played right tackle at Iowa but is seen more as an interior player in the pros. His versatility should be attractive, but picking him in the first round can absolutely be seen as a reach, especially since Houston also holds the 38th pick in the draft. He would probably be available at both spots.