- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 392,993
- Reaction score
- 43
With less than a month away from the NFL draft, the Houston Texans are starting to find a path to securing the right fit at pick No. 25. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and interior offensive line remain the top three needs after free agency, but defensive tackle and running back depth also could be in play.
Everything for Houston will depend on the draft status of the first 24 picks. The Texans might have their sights set on landing a premier left tackle, though they won't reach to secure a name who fits the Day 2 mold. Houston could also trade back like it did last year to secure multiple Day 2 picks for the long haul.
With another Friday upon us, let's look through the top 33 mock drafts (including Texans Wire) to see the consensus on the Texans' selection.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: "They have to address their offensive line issues and Zabel is the kind of player who can play either center or guard. Their line held back the offense last year, so addressing it is a must."
San Diego Union Tribune's Eddie Brown: "This pick likely boils down to the offensive line or a wide receiver. Either way, GM Nick Caserio will be making it with C.J. Stroud top of mind. Zabel is one of the top FCS prospects in this draft class. He started 38 games across five seasons with the Bison, appearing at both tackle positions and left guard. The unanimous FCS first-team All-American also worked out at center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Zabel’s size (6-6, 312), premium athleticism and advanced technique, especially in the run game, will excite offensive line coaches."
Touchdown Wire's Cole Thompson: "In a trade-down scenario, Zabel should be the top name to watch. He's exceptional in pass protection and thrives in one-on-one zone-blocking schemes. The Texans have been linked to the Bison star at No. 25, but instead, they land him on Day 2 and secure an extra third-round pick in the process.
Fox Sports' Rob Rang: "The Texans' stunning trade of star left tackle Laremy Tunsil further creates questions for an offensive line that struggled to protect CJ Stroud a year ago. With all sorts of moving parts up front, Houston would be wise to consider Zabel, a do-it-all blocker with experience all over the offensive line and one who erased any doubts about his level of competition by starring at both the Senior Bowl and Combine."
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "I mean, Laken Tomlinson or Ed Ingram can’t be the plan, right? Zabel has played all over the offensive line and would give the Texans, or any offensive line, the ability to play their best five. Whether it’s center or guard, he would give C.J. Stroud and the Texans' offense some steadiness.Newsweek's Seth Quinn: "The Texans desperately need offensive line help, so they take the best available in the draft. Zabel has versatility too, which should help plug holes depending on who else they add."
USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz : "Yes, the Texans added both Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to provide some relief at offensive tackle after trading Laremy Tansil. But with both veterans on one-year prove-it deals, there's still no long-term protection plan in place for C.J. Stroud. As Simmons continues to work his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered in October, he could take a backseat to the more established presences before eventually taking over and becoming the fixture required to settle this front."
Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe: "Josh Simmons is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious knee injury. Robinson can provide Simmons time to make sure he is back to 100% health. Before the injury, Simmons was potentially a top-10 selection, meaning the Texans are getting tremendous upside at a nice price."
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler: "If Josh Simmons were healthy, we're talking about a top-10 pick here and likely the first tackle off the board. However, Simmons remains in the middle of his rehab process but he is expected to be good to go when September rolls around. With Laremy Tunsil now in Washington, Houston not only needs a left tackle, they need more talent up front period. If all goes as planned, Simmons aligns at LT in Week 1 to protect C.J. Stroud's blindside."
Fox Sports' David Helman: "Simmons said at the NFL Combine that he's on track in his recovery from the patellar injury that ended his season. If that's true, he might not hang around this long. It's hard to project when we don't know the specifics, but if he's got a clean bill of health, then he makes a lot of sense as the first building block for the Texans in the post-Laremy Tunsil era."
CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole: "It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class."
DraftTek's Cody Lachney: "Josh Simmons is an athletic tackle prospect with really good size and length, Simmons has experience Playing both LT and RT and played his entire 2022 season on the right side. This is where he would fit perfectly for Houston. Josh suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-October, so his recovery and timetable for return is still up in the air. However, this means he is a value here - some had him as the best tackle in the class preinjury. Simmons is a consistently fluid mover with freak show strength both inside the box and when asked to play in space. This ensures Houston's offense can give C.J. Stroud more time to distribute the ball than he did in 2024."
The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher: "This mock draft couldn’t have fallen any better for the Texans. They get their left tackle of the future, and they don’t even need to move up to get him."
Pro Football Network's Anthony Pasciolla: "Josh Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and only allowing only one QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon."
Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy: "The Texans did some strange things with their offensive line during free agency, so we opted for Simmons, who can start at guard or tackle."
CBS Sports' Mike Renner: "Josh Simmons comes with a big injury red flag, but beggars can't be choosers. His first half of the season before tearing his Patellar tendon was as good as anyone else's in the class."
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards: "The signings of Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson, plus the acquisition of Ed Ingram, does not excite me about the future of Houston's offensive line. However, it gives it some options with an extensive history, starting in the NFL to the point where it could go with the best player available. Offensive linemen will be a priority for the Texans, and a really good one happens to be available."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: "Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list.
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "Investing in the trenches is always a winning formula, and the Texans can begin rebuilding their offensive line in Round 1 in this case. Tyler Booker displays strong technical skills and physical strength as an interior lineman. He has a strong base and generates solid power at the point of attack. Expect him to become a mainstay on the Texans’ interior line."
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "It buys the Texans enough wiggle room to go wide receiver here with this pick, where Nico Collins serves as a headliner and is complemented by new names like Justin Watson, Christian Kirk, and Braxton Berrios. None should prevent Houston from grabbing Egbuka to help fill the void that Tank Dell's absence will feel.
NFL.com's Mike Band: "With Tank Dell's late-season injury creating uncertainty at receiver, the Texans select Egbuka to serve as an immediate playmaker for their young quarterback. Polished as a route runner and dangerous after the catch, this Ohio State product can thrive in the slot or as a "Z" receiver opposite Nico Collins. Even with Laremy Tunsil gone, Houston believes Tytus Howard can solidify left tackle, freeing them to focus on the skill group early and the interior O-line on Day 2."
Pro Football Network's Reese Decker: "At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka is a refined, reliable prospect. He plays an unselfish brand of football, willing to be a physical force as a perimeter blocker. Egbuka has a natural feel for space and valuable positional versatility. He’s a smooth route runner with excellent body control and consistently delivers in high-pressure moments. For a Texans offense looking for more consistency and another playmaking threat alongside Nico Collins, Egbuka could be the perfect solution."
Draft Countdown's Brian Lamb: "With Tank Dell out for the 2025 season, the Texans are going to have to find a replacement. They were able to bring in Christian Kirk via trade with the Jaguars, but I don’t believe that it’s enough."
Pro Football Focus' Nick Kosko: "The Texans are on a collision course to draft an offensive lineman in April, and they select the best one available here. Conerly needs to improve his strength and recovery ability, but his size and movement skills are too good to pass up."
Pro Football Network Staff: "The Houston Texans’ offense took a step back in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistent offensive line play. Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector."
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt: "Houston traded away Laremy Tunsil, causing a big hole on the offensive line. You've got to project quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's more of a typical pocket passer. Conerly is a perfect fit considering the need."
The Athletic's Ben Standig: "Tank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero."
Pro Football Focus' Josh Liskiewitz: "Loveland lacks the density to play as an inline tight end consistently in the NFL, but he brings plenty of value as a tall, long pass catcher with natural hands and crisp routes to line up as a big slot or “X” receiver. He also has some versatility to play attached to the line of scrimmage in certain situations."
The Draft Network's Daniel Harms: "C.J. Stroud's offensive line has undergone an overhaul following a rough 2024 season, but with the Tank Dell timeline uncertain and no other viable options emerging alongside Nico Collins, Matthew Golden provides a route-running presence to pair with Collins. His incredible timing will give Stroud a trusted option and that chemistry should develop quickly."
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli: "I like Tank Dell a lot, but he's a small player who has struggled to stay healthy. The Texans shouldn't rely on him. So without there being a no-doubt offensive lineman on the board, they take Golden who just might slide right into Dell's role without any drop-off."
Sportsnaut's Andrew Buller-Russ: "A competitive player who plays through the whistle, DeMeco Ryans will love having Derrick Harmon plugging gaps in the trenches. Surprisingly quick for a 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman, one of Harmon’s best traits is his high IQ."
Draftwire's Jeff Risdon: "What a fun pairing, placing the kinetic Burden with C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins in an offense that needs to be more threatening more often. Burden was a preseason top-10 fixture and still has that kind of talent."
NFL.com's Chad Reuter : "Signing Cam Robinson gives Houston some insurance at left tackle after the Laremy Tunsil trade, and the addition of Trent Brown provides more bookend depth. But both veterans have missed time due to injury in the past and they're stop-gap solutions on one-year deals. Thus, the Texans select Ersery here to start this year or next. Protecting C.J. Stroud must be a long-term plan."
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "Walker would give the Texans a much-needed talent upgrade at the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans down to two OL at No. 25
Continue reading...
Everything for Houston will depend on the draft status of the first 24 picks. The Texans might have their sights set on landing a premier left tackle, though they won't reach to secure a name who fits the Day 2 mold. Houston could also trade back like it did last year to secure multiple Day 2 picks for the long haul.
With another Friday upon us, let's look through the top 33 mock drafts (including Texans Wire) to see the consensus on the Texans' selection.
North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel
You must be registered for see images attach
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: "They have to address their offensive line issues and Zabel is the kind of player who can play either center or guard. Their line held back the offense last year, so addressing it is a must."
San Diego Union Tribune's Eddie Brown: "This pick likely boils down to the offensive line or a wide receiver. Either way, GM Nick Caserio will be making it with C.J. Stroud top of mind. Zabel is one of the top FCS prospects in this draft class. He started 38 games across five seasons with the Bison, appearing at both tackle positions and left guard. The unanimous FCS first-team All-American also worked out at center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Zabel’s size (6-6, 312), premium athleticism and advanced technique, especially in the run game, will excite offensive line coaches."
Touchdown Wire's Cole Thompson: "In a trade-down scenario, Zabel should be the top name to watch. He's exceptional in pass protection and thrives in one-on-one zone-blocking schemes. The Texans have been linked to the Bison star at No. 25, but instead, they land him on Day 2 and secure an extra third-round pick in the process.
Fox Sports' Rob Rang: "The Texans' stunning trade of star left tackle Laremy Tunsil further creates questions for an offensive line that struggled to protect CJ Stroud a year ago. With all sorts of moving parts up front, Houston would be wise to consider Zabel, a do-it-all blocker with experience all over the offensive line and one who erased any doubts about his level of competition by starring at both the Senior Bowl and Combine."
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "I mean, Laken Tomlinson or Ed Ingram can’t be the plan, right? Zabel has played all over the offensive line and would give the Texans, or any offensive line, the ability to play their best five. Whether it’s center or guard, he would give C.J. Stroud and the Texans' offense some steadiness.Newsweek's Seth Quinn: "The Texans desperately need offensive line help, so they take the best available in the draft. Zabel has versatility too, which should help plug holes depending on who else they add."
Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
You must be registered for see images attach
USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz : "Yes, the Texans added both Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to provide some relief at offensive tackle after trading Laremy Tansil. But with both veterans on one-year prove-it deals, there's still no long-term protection plan in place for C.J. Stroud. As Simmons continues to work his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered in October, he could take a backseat to the more established presences before eventually taking over and becoming the fixture required to settle this front."
Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe: "Josh Simmons is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious knee injury. Robinson can provide Simmons time to make sure he is back to 100% health. Before the injury, Simmons was potentially a top-10 selection, meaning the Texans are getting tremendous upside at a nice price."
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler: "If Josh Simmons were healthy, we're talking about a top-10 pick here and likely the first tackle off the board. However, Simmons remains in the middle of his rehab process but he is expected to be good to go when September rolls around. With Laremy Tunsil now in Washington, Houston not only needs a left tackle, they need more talent up front period. If all goes as planned, Simmons aligns at LT in Week 1 to protect C.J. Stroud's blindside."
Fox Sports' David Helman: "Simmons said at the NFL Combine that he's on track in his recovery from the patellar injury that ended his season. If that's true, he might not hang around this long. It's hard to project when we don't know the specifics, but if he's got a clean bill of health, then he makes a lot of sense as the first building block for the Texans in the post-Laremy Tunsil era."
CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole: "It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class."
DraftTek's Cody Lachney: "Josh Simmons is an athletic tackle prospect with really good size and length, Simmons has experience Playing both LT and RT and played his entire 2022 season on the right side. This is where he would fit perfectly for Houston. Josh suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-October, so his recovery and timetable for return is still up in the air. However, this means he is a value here - some had him as the best tackle in the class preinjury. Simmons is a consistently fluid mover with freak show strength both inside the box and when asked to play in space. This ensures Houston's offense can give C.J. Stroud more time to distribute the ball than he did in 2024."
The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher: "This mock draft couldn’t have fallen any better for the Texans. They get their left tackle of the future, and they don’t even need to move up to get him."
Pro Football Network's Anthony Pasciolla: "Josh Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and only allowing only one QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon."
Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy: "The Texans did some strange things with their offensive line during free agency, so we opted for Simmons, who can start at guard or tackle."
CBS Sports' Mike Renner: "Josh Simmons comes with a big injury red flag, but beggars can't be choosers. His first half of the season before tearing his Patellar tendon was as good as anyone else's in the class."
Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
You must be registered for see images attach
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards: "The signings of Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson, plus the acquisition of Ed Ingram, does not excite me about the future of Houston's offensive line. However, it gives it some options with an extensive history, starting in the NFL to the point where it could go with the best player available. Offensive linemen will be a priority for the Texans, and a really good one happens to be available."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: "Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list.
Alabama OL Tyler Booker
You must be registered for see images attach
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "Investing in the trenches is always a winning formula, and the Texans can begin rebuilding their offensive line in Round 1 in this case. Tyler Booker displays strong technical skills and physical strength as an interior lineman. He has a strong base and generates solid power at the point of attack. Expect him to become a mainstay on the Texans’ interior line."
Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
You must be registered for see images attach
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "It buys the Texans enough wiggle room to go wide receiver here with this pick, where Nico Collins serves as a headliner and is complemented by new names like Justin Watson, Christian Kirk, and Braxton Berrios. None should prevent Houston from grabbing Egbuka to help fill the void that Tank Dell's absence will feel.
NFL.com's Mike Band: "With Tank Dell's late-season injury creating uncertainty at receiver, the Texans select Egbuka to serve as an immediate playmaker for their young quarterback. Polished as a route runner and dangerous after the catch, this Ohio State product can thrive in the slot or as a "Z" receiver opposite Nico Collins. Even with Laremy Tunsil gone, Houston believes Tytus Howard can solidify left tackle, freeing them to focus on the skill group early and the interior O-line on Day 2."
Pro Football Network's Reese Decker: "At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka is a refined, reliable prospect. He plays an unselfish brand of football, willing to be a physical force as a perimeter blocker. Egbuka has a natural feel for space and valuable positional versatility. He’s a smooth route runner with excellent body control and consistently delivers in high-pressure moments. For a Texans offense looking for more consistency and another playmaking threat alongside Nico Collins, Egbuka could be the perfect solution."
Draft Countdown's Brian Lamb: "With Tank Dell out for the 2025 season, the Texans are going to have to find a replacement. They were able to bring in Christian Kirk via trade with the Jaguars, but I don’t believe that it’s enough."
Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
You must be registered for see images attach
Pro Football Focus' Nick Kosko: "The Texans are on a collision course to draft an offensive lineman in April, and they select the best one available here. Conerly needs to improve his strength and recovery ability, but his size and movement skills are too good to pass up."
Pro Football Network Staff: "The Houston Texans’ offense took a step back in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistent offensive line play. Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector."
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt: "Houston traded away Laremy Tunsil, causing a big hole on the offensive line. You've got to project quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's more of a typical pocket passer. Conerly is a perfect fit considering the need."
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
You must be registered for see images attach
The Athletic's Ben Standig: "Tank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero."
Michigan TE Colston Loveland
You must be registered for see images attach
Pro Football Focus' Josh Liskiewitz: "Loveland lacks the density to play as an inline tight end consistently in the NFL, but he brings plenty of value as a tall, long pass catcher with natural hands and crisp routes to line up as a big slot or “X” receiver. He also has some versatility to play attached to the line of scrimmage in certain situations."
Texas WR Matthew Golden
You must be registered for see images attach
The Draft Network's Daniel Harms: "C.J. Stroud's offensive line has undergone an overhaul following a rough 2024 season, but with the Tank Dell timeline uncertain and no other viable options emerging alongside Nico Collins, Matthew Golden provides a route-running presence to pair with Collins. His incredible timing will give Stroud a trusted option and that chemistry should develop quickly."
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli: "I like Tank Dell a lot, but he's a small player who has struggled to stay healthy. The Texans shouldn't rely on him. So without there being a no-doubt offensive lineman on the board, they take Golden who just might slide right into Dell's role without any drop-off."
Oregon DL Derrick Harmon
You must be registered for see images
Sportsnaut's Andrew Buller-Russ: "A competitive player who plays through the whistle, DeMeco Ryans will love having Derrick Harmon plugging gaps in the trenches. Surprisingly quick for a 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman, one of Harmon’s best traits is his high IQ."
Mizzou WR Luther Burden III
You must be registered for see images
Draftwire's Jeff Risdon: "What a fun pairing, placing the kinetic Burden with C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins in an offense that needs to be more threatening more often. Burden was a preseason top-10 fixture and still has that kind of talent."
Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery
You must be registered for see images attach
NFL.com's Chad Reuter : "Signing Cam Robinson gives Houston some insurance at left tackle after the Laremy Tunsil trade, and the addition of Trent Brown provides more bookend depth. But both veterans have missed time due to injury in the past and they're stop-gap solutions on one-year deals. Thus, the Texans select Ersery here to start this year or next. Protecting C.J. Stroud must be a long-term plan."
Georgia LB Jalon Walker
You must be registered for see images attach
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "Walker would give the Texans a much-needed talent upgrade at the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans down to two OL at No. 25
Continue reading...
