Houston Texans Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

The Texans should add multiple blockers this offseason, and Zabel -- who played all over the offensive line for the Bison -- showed at the Senior Bowl that he can be a strong anchor, likely inside.

The run on defensive tackles continues with Houston's pick. Head coach DeMeco Ryans comes from a situation in San Francisco that heavily invested in the defensive line. By continuing to build out the defensive front, there should be more 1-on-1 opportunities for the likes of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

DeMeco Ryans' desire to overwhelm opponents with a deep and talented D-line rotation makes Grant a possibility here.

The Texans absolutely, desperately need offensive line help. But they have invested heavily already into the position and I think stronger coaching at that position will help them get better performances in the near future. I instead address the Texans' pass-catching group that looks more depleted after Tank Dell's gruesome injury and Stefon Diggs' upcoming free agency. Dalton Schultz is as solid as they come at tight end, but Loveland is even more dynamic as a pass catcher, with the ability to split out that could make for some fun synergy with star Nico Collins in a fun 1-2 punch for C.J. Stroud.

Booker would fill a huge need along the offensive interior, easily Houston's biggest issue right now in front of C.J. Stroud. Booker started all three years at Alabama and is an absolute mauler. He's not always technically perfect, but he has first-round power and can be a difference-maker inside.

C.J. Stroud was sacked a total of 63 times over 19 games including the playoffs. Whether the Texans address the offensive line through free agency or the draft (or both), it's clear upgrades are needed, especially on the interior offensive line, and Booker would provide just that.

Houston's loaded wide receiver room did not survive the 2024 season. The Stefon Diggs gamble did not pay off and young receiver Tank Dell suffered an ugly season-ending injury for the second consecutive season. Pairing Egbuka with his former college quarterback would give this passing game some extra juice and fast track the chemistry between CJ Stroud and a new addition to the wide receiver room.

The Texans are in the market for a new offensive coordinator, but they could use more help at receiver, too. Burden reminds me of Stefon Diggs, who is headed for free agency.

Here's another player who missed most of the 2024 season. Simmons was out after six games with a left knee injury. Had he stayed healthy, I think we'd be talking about him as a OT1 candidate in this class. He's consistent in pass protection and drives back defenders in the run game.

Houston's pass protection was anything but consistent this season, allowing 54 sacks (tied for third most). Quarterback C.J. Stroud was constantly on the run. The Texans have left tackle Laremy Tunsil under contract for two more seasons, but Simmons could fit in at right tackle or even a guard spot for now before potentially taking over on the left side down the road.