Texans take offensive and defensive playmakers in new 3-round mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

Mock draft season is in full swing with less than a month before the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans have some work to do with their roster and should be in line to shore up some positions of need with four picks in the top 100 selections. On offense, the Texans must address their offensive line woes whole also targeting a secondary receiver to pair with Pro Bowler Nico Collins and slot option Christian Kirk. On defense, Houston should look to add defensive line depth and potentially another inside linebacker.

CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson mapped out the first three rounds of the draft in a new mock and gave the Texans a mix of Week 1 impact players, developmental prospects and a long-term play for the left side of the line as Laremy Tunsil's replacement.

Round 1, Pick No. 25: Ohio State OT Josh Simmons​

Simmons likely would have been off the board inside the top 20 if not for a lower-body injury costing him most of the 2024 season. From a potential standpoint, he's a plug-and-play left tackle with exceptional run-blocking skills that should set the tone against interior linemen. When healthy, Simmons is a Day 1 starter who would bring energy and firepower to the Texans' offensive line, allowing Houston to hit reset on the tackle market before having to pay C.J. Stroud.

"A San Diego State transfer where he played right tackle, Simmons was a pleasant surprise in Columbus, where he was not only installed at left tackle, but was playing at a high level before an October knee injury vs. Oregon ended his season," Wilson wrote. "I thought he might return to school -- he could probably use the experience -- but instead declared for the '25 draft. And in a draft light along the offensive line, fully expect Simmons to draw some first-round consideration, even if he might need a year or two of seasoning."

Round 2, Pick No. 58: South Carolina DL T.J. Sanders​

Sanders recently visited the Texans' facility and fits the mold of what Houston looks for at the defensive tackle position. He's a smaller-framed interior lineman who uses speed and hand placement to win his one-on-one battles. In Year 1, Sanders would likely serve as a quality backup while competing for first-team reps with Sheldon Rankins and Mario Edwards Jr.

Round 3, Pick No. 79: Texas DB Andrew Mukuba​

A rangy defensive back known for his ball skills, Mukuba would serve as a long-term plan in place of Jimmie Ward, who's entering a contract season and coming off a season-ending foot injury. The former All-ACC defender picked off five passes in coverage and was a decent open-field tackler. He could also serve as the replacement for Jalen Pitre in the slot after his contract expires in 2025.

Round 3, Pick No. 89: Ole Miss WR Tre Harris​

A standout go-to target in the SEC for Jaxson Dart, Harris should find a home as the new Z receiver in Houston opposite Collins. He's a strong route-runner who rarely drops passes. Harris' speed and change of direction helped him win ample one-on-one battles for Ole Miss over the past two years, so that should come in handy for Stroud when looking for a second option on the outside.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL Draft: Texans shore up trenches, add WR No. 2 in new 3-round mock

Continue reading...