Breaking down the Texans' picks in ESPN's 7-round mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

The Houston Texans remain a fascinating team heading into the 2025 NFL draft. More importantly, sights are turned to what they'll do when on the clock with the No. 25 overall pick.

Despite being a two-time AFC South champion, the Texans have ample needs following free agency. Wide receiver remains a secondary need, but only because offensive tackle and interior offensive line remain priorities.

Then, there's depth at defensive tackle, linebacker, tight end and running back.

What makes them one of the most interesting teams in Round 1 is their selection location. The Texans are at the mercy of 24 other teams, including at least 10 that need offensive line help. The Texans very well could trade back, gain ample draft compensation and put themselves in a position where they won't feel as if they're reaching for a new name.

That’s not exactly what ESPN’s Matt Miller has Houston doing in his new seven-round mock draft, but he does address several key needs that should be considered Day 1 starters. Here’s a breakdown of every pick made by Miller for the Texans in his latest projections.

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26. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State​

The Texans start off with a bang by taking the former Buckeyes star in Round 1. He's coming off a torn patella injury, but scouts still believe he's potentially the best offensive lineman in the class. The Texans must target a long-term option to replace Laremy Tunsil after his trade to Washington earlier this offseason. While the Texans are banking on the upside with Simmons, the 6-foot-6 tackle put enough on tape to ensure his status as a Day 1 prospect. Doctors also believe he'll be cleared by the start of training camp. Even if he's not, Houston has Cam Robinson and Trent Brown as depth options, so either could start in a pinch.

"Before suffering a torn left patellar tendon in his right knee in mid-October, Simmons looked like a prime contender to be OT1 in this class," Miller wrote. "He has experience at both tackle spots with the size and length teams are looking for in a blindside blocker. Simmons moves with poise and balance, almost like a basketball player. His ceiling is very high, and he could be a rare franchise tackle available late in the first round."

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58. Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue​

Miller wasn't done fixing the offensive line. By adding in Mbow, the Texans ensure one of the better run blockers in the Big Ten helps open running lanes for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon while improving in pass protection. He's a quick-striking lineman with the potential to be a long-term Pro Bowl-caliber interior lineman for years to come. The best part? Much like Simmons, the Texans are good with part-time starters, so he can slowly interject his way into the lineup.

"Mbow played both guard and tackle in college but projects at guard in the pros, where he has the athletic tools to be an impressive player in a zone-blocking scheme," Miller wrote. "Mbow has quickness and takes smart angles. He's in need of added play power, but the Texans can afford to redshirt the 6-foot-4, 303-pounder behind Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram in 2025. This is a pick more for the future, and Mbow could eventually start at left or right guard."

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79. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon​

By adding Ferguson, Houston finds another stable weapon inside as a replacement for Dalton Schultz when the Texans can move off him in 2026. Last season as the No. 3 target for the Ducks, the 6-foot-5 pass-catcher totaled 43 receptions for 591 yards and three touchdowns.

"Tight end Dalton Schultz saw his production drop in 2024, so the Texans could make a move for the pass-catching Ferguson, who is ready to play right away," Miller wrote.

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89. T.J. Sanders, DL, South Carolina​

After addressing the offensive line, Miller has Houston shoring up the defensive side. Sanders fits the mold of DeMeco Ryans loves in his pass-rushing interior tackles that can affect the quarterback. Last season, the 290-pound defensive tackle recorded four sacks, 18 QB pressures and 11 tackles for loss.

"Putting a fast pass-rushing 3-technique like Sanders next to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter would be a fun way to attack AFC offenses," Miller wrote.

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166. D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State​

With two running backs heading into free agency, it would be wise for the Texans to target at least one running back during Day 3. Miller has Giddens headed to Houston after his 1,300-plus-yard season with the Wildcats in Manhattan. He's also a solid contributor in the passing game, totaling 258 yards and a score.

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236. Jermari Harris, CB, Iowa​

The Texans could always use special teams help. Harris starred at Iowa, so he could provide some value as a potential option at either safety or in the nickel role.

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241. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse​

Two running backs? Really? Well, at least Allen shined in Jeff Nixon's offense as a two-way player in the run game and as a receiving threat.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Every Texans pick in ESPN's 7-round mock draft

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