It feels reasonable to assume that this could be a make or break year for the Texans. An offseason that was meant to address the issues of the team hasn’t really addressed them. We saw what the offensive line looked like last year. Whether it was talent, injury, or a combination of both, it just did not work against any kind of quality defense. Are we really so sure that the changes made this offseason are going to grade as a net positive? Whether you believe in Laken Tomlinson or Ed Ingram (woof) being the solution to the offensive line woes depends on how much you buy the idea that the problem was cultural, not schematic or individual talent. As a Texans fan, I’m not so sure. That’s why its no secret that the Texans are going to target offensive linemen in Round 1. I’ve identified a couple of good fits based on where the Texans are selecting. However, we all know that nothing is certain in the NFL, and what scouts and pundits believe is the right move might not be the actual call on draft day. If Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans believe they can add a star playmaker on Day 1 and address line depth in the later rounds, they most certainly will.
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The most pressing need on the Texans roster is good interior offensive line play. Take a look at the current depth chart right now:
The only new player in this starting group is Ed Ingram. When I asked around Minnesota circles, they said a good comp for Ed Ingram was Kenyon Green. For a team with serious playoff aspirations and a young, talented quarterback, it is not the best look to replace Kenyon Green with Kenyon Green. That’s why I really like Tyler Booker here. Booker is a MAULER of a guard at 6’5, 324 pounds. If we assume that new OC Nick Caley is going to install a similar scheme to the one that he worked in with Sean McVay in Los Angeles, the running game is going to be focused on downhill, gap running. Adding a guard who fits that scheme like Booker would be paramount to the Texans’ front office. It also helps that he has been cited as a leader along the line with premier intangibles. For a team that just traded Laremy Tunsil (who was previously a team captain), that should help check all the boxes.
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
If the Texans prefer to keep this interior trio as the starters and target a tackle, I think Josh Simmons from Ohio State would be a very good selection. The Texans signed Cam Robinson and Trent Brown to be the starting tackles in free agency, so Simmons would not have to start right away as he recovers from the knee injury that ended his final season of college. Simmons is very sound technically and positionally, and has experience playing on both sides on the line. His versatility would be a plus for a Texans line that could end up having a lot of moving parts throughout the season. He still has some issues with certain pass rush techniques, and he’s not the strongest, so his fit at guard could be iffy. However, I think he’s athletic enough to make it work at 6’5 and 317 lbs. His athleticism could also help in the screen game, should Houston choose to incorporate that into their offensive scheming.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Alright, so what if the Texans don’t go pass blocker in round 1? They could take a page out of the Cincinnati line of thinking- pair your star QB with one of his most productive receivers from college. Emeka Egbuka is a really fluid receiver who knows how to find the soft spots in coverage and be a reliable receiver. He mostly works out of the slot, which would complement Nico Collins very well. while not being the most explosive receiver, he is a shifty route runner who knows how to get open. Is it the pick I would make? Not necessarily. The Texans traded for Christian Kirk , who also works best out of the slot. Tank Dell is also coming back in 2026. But Emeka is just a really good football player. I think he’s going to be very productive in the NFL no matter where he goes. And in my mind, there’s nothing wrong with drafting good football players.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
It feels like one of the worst kept draft secrets right now that Luther Burden III is going to be really, really good. The dude is impressive after the catch with the football, and his ball skills make him a deep threat who can take the top off a defense. I think he’s a more natural fit within the Texans depth chart, as he can play outside or inside. The main question is whether the Texans would consider him as a cultural fit. He’s been known to take some plays off, and I don’t think that’s gonna fly in the DeMeco Democracy. But at the same time, sometimes you just have to bet on talent- and Luther Burden has the talent. I don’t think many NFL secondaries would have the players to cover both Collins and Burden.
Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State
There’s been a trend in this article of Ohio State players being options for the Texans, and Houston also kind of has a need on the interior defensive line. With running games starting to become more influential, getting a clogging run defender like Williams doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. Williams has man-moving power at 320 pounds and can eat up double teams to free up Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The pass rushing ability isn’t really there, but for a team that ended the season 4th in sacks with 49, it doesn’t really need to be right now. Adding a true run-stuffer to this defense would be the final puzzle piece to complete it.
