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The Houston Texans are...something this offseason following the first wave of free agency. No, the two-time defending AFC South champions aren't losers, but calling them winners would be far-fetched.
It's hard to say a team won the offseason after trading away a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle while your franchise quarterback is still on his rookie contract. Sadly, the combination of Cam Robinson, Tytus Howard and Blake Fisher will have to make up for the lost production of left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Not every move was terrible. The addition of Christian Kirk in the slot should bolster the passing game for Stroud and take pressure off Nico Collins. The Texans also turned draft bust Kenyon Green into do-it-all defensive back C.J. Garnder-Johnson via trade. They also brought back Sheldon Rankins from the 2023 squad and inked deals with returning defensive linemen Mario Edwards Jr. and Derek Barnett.
The defensive additions "open the whole board" for Houston at pick No. 25. That means fans could see the Texans go "best player available" rather than just address a specific need at tackle or guard.
Based on most mock drafts, it's quite clear Houston has three targets in mind.
We've rounded up the latest 2025 NFL mock drafts, where experts can't seem to agree on what direction the Texans are going with the 25th overall pick -- be it offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver or other spots.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: "Even after giving up 54 sacks in 2024 (tied for third-most), Houston traded away its best offensive lineman in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's why this pick is easy for me. Simmons has smooth movement traits, and he allowed one sack over 19 starts since shifting to left tackle before the 2023 season.
"The only reason I don't have him coming off the board earlier is his knee injury. He went down in October and missed the rest of the season, and he hasn't yet worked out. But once he's healthy, he could step into that LT void and try to turn around the pass protection in Houston."
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."
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 best player available. Offensive lineman will be a priority for the Texans, and a really good one happens to be available."
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "They added Stefon Diggs to this group last year, and even if he walks in free agency, it's clear the Texans could use an infusion of talent at wide receiver to stabilize the offense after last season. Egbuka is good all-around, can play inside and out, and he brings toughness."
PFF's John 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."
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."
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. Josh Simmons has some injury concerns and isn’t the most polished player, but he’s got the talent to be a franchise left tackle in the right scheme."
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling: "Houston already had big needs along the offensive line, and that was before they traded away their starting left tackle in Laremy Tunsil. Their free-agent additions are all band-aids, but Banks has the experience to be a long-term solution at left tackle, as well as the versatility to be an immediate upgrade along the interior."
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."
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "The Houston Texans took a step back last season as the offense struggled to find its rhythm and the defense regressed slightly. Needing to switch things up, they also made the shocking move of parting ways with star left tackle Laremy Tunsil. 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."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans have three main targets at No. 25
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It's hard to say a team won the offseason after trading away a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle while your franchise quarterback is still on his rookie contract. Sadly, the combination of Cam Robinson, Tytus Howard and Blake Fisher will have to make up for the lost production of left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Not every move was terrible. The addition of Christian Kirk in the slot should bolster the passing game for Stroud and take pressure off Nico Collins. The Texans also turned draft bust Kenyon Green into do-it-all defensive back C.J. Garnder-Johnson via trade. They also brought back Sheldon Rankins from the 2023 squad and inked deals with returning defensive linemen Mario Edwards Jr. and Derek Barnett.
The defensive additions "open the whole board" for Houston at pick No. 25. That means fans could see the Texans go "best player available" rather than just address a specific need at tackle or guard.
Based on most mock drafts, it's quite clear Houston has three targets in mind.
We've rounded up the latest 2025 NFL mock drafts, where experts can't seem to agree on what direction the Texans are going with the 25th overall pick -- be it offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver or other spots.
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ESPN: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: "Even after giving up 54 sacks in 2024 (tied for third-most), Houston traded away its best offensive lineman in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's why this pick is easy for me. Simmons has smooth movement traits, and he allowed one sack over 19 starts since shifting to left tackle before the 2023 season.
"The only reason I don't have him coming off the board earlier is his knee injury. He went down in October and missed the rest of the season, and he hasn't yet worked out. But once he's healthy, he could step into that LT void and try to turn around the pass protection in Houston."
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NFL.com: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
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."
CBS Sports: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
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 best player available. Offensive lineman will be a priority for the Texans, and a really good one happens to be available."
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Yahoo! Sports: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "They added Stefon Diggs to this group last year, and even if he walks in free agency, it's clear the Texans could use an infusion of talent at wide receiver to stabilize the offense after last season. Egbuka is good all-around, can play inside and out, and he brings toughness."
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Pro Football Focus: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
PFF's John 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."
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FOX Sports: Gray Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
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."
You must be registered for see images attach
33rd Team: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
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. Josh Simmons has some injury concerns and isn’t the most polished player, but he’s got the talent to be a franchise left tackle in the right scheme."
You must be registered for see images attach
Athlon Sports: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling: "Houston already had big needs along the offensive line, and that was before they traded away their starting left tackle in Laremy Tunsil. Their free-agent additions are all band-aids, but Banks has the experience to be a long-term solution at left tackle, as well as the versatility to be an immediate upgrade along the interior."
You must be registered for see images attach
Draft Network: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
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."
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Pro Football Network: Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "The Houston Texans took a step back last season as the offense struggled to find its rhythm and the defense regressed slightly. Needing to switch things up, they also made the shocking move of parting ways with star left tackle Laremy Tunsil. 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."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans have three main targets at No. 25
Continue reading...
