Houston Texans NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Echoles exploded onto the scene for Ole Miss a year ago, generating 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in a breakout sophomore campaign. If he can match that production in 2026, he could join former teammate Walter Nolen as a first-round selection. Like Nolen, Echoles is a classic 3-technique defensive tackle whose quickness and power make him a tough assignment for would-be blockers.

DeMeco Ryans adds a sideline-to-sideline presence who can do a little bit of everything well. Viliamu-Asa has the capability to be a disruptor all three downs, pairing solid size with coverage speed, run-stopping and occasionally pass rushing help.

Rhodes offers a rare physical profile, combining massive size with the athleticism to serve as a versatile chess piece across the defensive front. He is immovable at the point of attack and generates significant power as a pass rusher.

Lacy is one of my favorite players to watch on tape in the 2027 class regardless of position. He's a long-striding, slashing runner whose sudden movements give him the A-level short-area quickness to create explosive plays. His 24 rushing touchdowns last season were the third most in SEC history. His outstanding vision and awareness keeps runs on track and creates positive yardage. He's also a competitive pass protector. The Texans need all of this, as they've struggled to find a long-term solution at running back to help take pressure off the passing game.

The first running back off the board in this mock, Baugh brings size, strength and quickness to the position. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry last season and made his presence felt on third downs.

After becoming the focal point of Ole Miss' offense, the former Missouri transfer quickly proved why he's one of the most dynamic players in college football. Listed just under 6 feet and 200 pounds, Lacy consistently plays bigger than his size. A home-run threat who can operate between the tackles and stretch defenses laterally, his three-down value should ease concerns about positional value.

Azeez Al-Shaair's contract expires at the end of next season. Biles is another highly touted transfer for the Longhorns following two promising seasons at Pitt. Few prospects boast triple-digit snap counts in the slot, box and along the defensive line. Biles likely profiles best as an off-ball, coverage-oriented linebacker, but his 12 sacks over the past two seasons show he is also an effective pass rusher.

The 2027 RB class has a few candidates to be the top dog, but I'm throwing my support behind the well-fortified workhorse Hardy. He consistently drags would-be tacklers for 3-5 extra yards and is well balanced through traffic allowing him to blast through arm tackles. Hardy and current RB David Montgomery would make a formidable duo to wear down opposing defenses and keep the pass rush off beleaguered QB CJ Stroud.