The 2026 NFL Draft is still a year away, but most publications are getting their way-too-early mocks out the way to begin focusing on the 2025 college football season.
This includes The Ringer’s Todd McShay, who much like every other publication, has the Houston Texans making the playoffs behind third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, but falling short in the wild-card round. McShay has Houston picking at No. 20. With the first-round pick, he has Houston going after another offensive tackle, but instead of targeting an established name, McShay went bold and selected Oregon’s Isaiah World as new blindside protector.
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A transfer from Nevada, World was considered the top offensive lineman in the portal this past cycle. The 6-foot-8, 309-pound tackle had a pass-blocking grade of 82.2 last season from Pro Football Focus’ grades, ranking him 17th overall among FBS starting tackles.
He chose Oregon over other promising programs like Ohio State, Texas A&M and Nebraska and is expected to start at left tackle Week 1. Should he impress, scouts believe his upside is future No. 1 overall pick with the right team.
The Texans might have selected Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery in the second round. Still, he could shift inside to guard or over to right tackle should former 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher struggle. World also started in 2023 at right tackle before switching to the left side last season in Reno, so he has some starting experience on the other side should he be asked to flip roles at the pro level.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid believes World is the best tackle prospect in the class. For Houston to land him at No. 20 in any mock might be considered the “steal” of Thursday night.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans land Oregon OT as new franchise tackle in new 2026 mock draft