Texans grab two starting OL in new 2025 NFL mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

What direction will the Houston Texans turn when on the clock with their seven picks next month? One mock draft has Houston at least addressing several needs to better the roster amid a third run to an AFC South division title.

In the latest seven-round NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe, the Texans continue to build a foundation around C.J. Stroud by strengthening the trenches. Three of the seven selections are built around the offensive line while a fourth is used to shore up the defensive front seven.

In the first round, Rolfe mocks Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons to replace Laremy Tunsil as the long-term left tackle. Simmons has become a fan favorite as of late because of his potential. Most draft analysts believe the 6-foot-5 tackle would have been the top offensive lineman in the class if not for a season-ending lower-body injury suffered in early October.

"Josh Simmons is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious knee injury," Rolfe wrote. "[Cam] 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."

Up next in the mock draft is Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow at pick No. 58. Mbow was a tackle in college, but his strong lower body and exceptional hand usage could allow him to play four positions at the pro level.

"The positive for Mbow in Houston is their long-term need for starters at all five positions," Rolfe wrote. "They addressed a tackle spot in Round 1, but there is still a need at tackle, guard, and center either in 2025 or further down the line. Mbow likely settles at center or guard, where he should be a fantastic asset and a central part of the Texans’ interior over the next four-plus years."

At pick No. 79, Houston finds a stable option at defensive tackle with Texas' Alfred Collins. After replacing T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, the Longhorns' defense didn't miss a beat behind Collins' exceptional run-stuffing fits as the anchor to a top-five defense in college football.

"Alfred Collins has the talent to be a top-50 player but has yet to show that on the field," Rolfe wrote. "With no need to rush him onto the field in a major role, the Texans have the chance to develop Collins toward his potential and make this selection look very smart."

To close out Round 3, the Texans add TCU wideout Jack Bech to replace the injured Tank Dell. He's drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua's play style as an open-field blocker. That should do wonders for former Rams passing-game coordinator Nick Caley as he looks to establish his own version of the Sean McVay play desing at NRG Stadium this fall.

"Jack Bech stays in Texas, making the drive down to Houston to join a depth chart in Houston that is crammed with potential but is thin on production," Rolfe wrote. "Bech offers the Texans something different from what they currently have in Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Even if Tank Dell comes back and takes the Kirk role, there is still a spot for Bech on this depth chart as a third receiver in 11 personnel."

Texans 7-round NFL mock draft:​

Pick 1: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Pick 2: Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue

Pick 3: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

Pick 4: Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Pick 5: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Pick 6: Xavier Truss, OL, Georgia

Pick 7: Johnny Walker, EDGE, Missouri

You can view Rolfe's complete seven-round mock draft on PFN's website. PFN also has a mock draft simulator that fans can use to create their own mocks leading up to April 24.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Texans grab two starting OL with early picks

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