The Houston Texans came into last year as one of the trendy Super Bowl picks. CJ Stroud looked awesome, and the offense had added Stefon Diggs. Head coach DeMeco Ryans showed what he could do on the defensive side of the ball, and many saw this team as a threat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills. However, injuries and poor offensive line play derailed the season. Heading into this year, they need to fill some holes. Here is the 2025 NFL Draft preview for the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans 2025 NFL Draft Picks
The Houston Texans have seven draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 1: No. 25
- Round 2: No. 58
- Round 3: No. 79 (from Dolphins through Eagles and Commanders)
- Round 3: No. 89
- Round 5: No. 166 (from Bills)
- Round 7: No. 236 (from Broncos through Eagles and Commanders)
- Round 7: No. 241
The Houston Texans do not own many of their own picks. They have been aggressive in the past few drafts, especially two years ago when they picked CJ Stroud and then traded for the very next pick to get Will Anderson Jr. However, they did recoup some draft capital by trading Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders this offseason. With Stroud entering his third year of his rookie deal, there is pressure to nail the draft and compete in the AFC this year.
Team Needs
The Houston Texans need help on the offensive line. Everywhere on the offensive line. After trading Tunsil, there is very little on the offensive line right now. If they cannot protect their franchise quarterback, they will struggle again this year. On top of the offensive line, they need some help at wide receiver. Nico Collins is the most underrated receiver in the league, but besides him, there isn’t much. Tank Dell won’t be back after another devastating knee injury, and Stroud needs more weapons.
The needs aren’t as glaring on defense. Mostly, they could use some help on the defensive line. Every team needs depth on the line in order to keep their best pass rushers fresh for the fourth quarter. Getting a couple of run stuffers and another edge rusher to go opposite Anderson Jr. would be huge. With limited draft capital, they will have to make some decisions on what to prioritize.
Mock Draft
- Round 1: No. 25 Josh Simmons OT Ohio State
- Round 2: No. 58 Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota
- Round 3: No. 79 Alfred Collins DT Texas
- Round 3: No. 89 Tate Ratledge IOL Georgia
- Round 5: No. 166 Tai Felton WR Maryland
- Round 7: No. 236 Jaylin Lane WR Virginia Tech
- Round 7: No. 241 Kalel Mullings RB Michigan
Mock Draft Analysis
The Houston Texans should take as many shots at the offensive line as they can. If Simmons falls to them, it could be one of the steals of the draft. Before he went out with an ACL injury, he was one of the top tackles. Assuming his recovery goes well, this is a home run pick. Ersery was getting some first-round buzz a month ago, and Ratledge has plenty of big game experience for the Bulldogs. Offensive linemen are harder to find in the later rounds. Skills positions are not.
Felton and Lane give the Houston Texans two shots at getting a quality WR2, and having Stroud as your quarterback is helpful for any young wide receiver. Given that this running back class is very deep, the Texans should grab one in the later rounds. Joe Mixon isn’t getting any younger, and his year was full of ups and downs. A young back could easily overtake him if given the right opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texans have one advantage over the rest of the AFC. They play in the AFC South, one of the worst divisions in football. The Colts and Titans have massive questions at the quarterback position. Even the Jaguars have not lived up to their potential in the past few years, and they have a first-time head coach. They should be the favorites in the division, but can they compete in the conference?
