The Houston Texans welcomed nine new rookies during the 2025 NFL draft, which included some potential impact contributors for new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Despite only adding one offensive lineman, most pudits believe the Texans walked away as a more improved team for 2025 en route toward winning a third straight AFC South division title.

Afrer moving back nine spots in the first round to pick No. 34, the Texans added a pair of playmakers in Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel with two of their top three picks. Houston also shored up the trenches with the second-round selection of Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. They also found some potential late-round gems with running back Woody Marks, defensive back Jaylen Reed, defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton and tight end Luke Lachey.

Houston is slated to hold its rookie minicamp on May 9, where fans will get a first glimpse at the newcomers before the offseason program kicks into high gear.

Texans Wire examined seven different big boards, including Pro Football Network’s consensus ranking, to see if the Texans found good value or reached for a specific player in their rookie draft class.

Draft Wire (top 250) :: PFF (top 350) :: Daniel Jeremiah (top 150) :: Field Yates (top 200) :: Mel Kiper Jr. (top 150) :: Dane Brugler (top 100) :: PFN consensus (top 300)

Draft Wire: 47 PFF: 37 Daniel Jeremiah: 46 Field Yates: 40 Mel Kiper Jr.: 53 Dane Brugler: 48 Consensus: 53

Houston ensured it’d give Nico Collins some breathing room on the outside with the selection of the 6-foot-4 standout from Iowa State. Higgins, who finished with over 1,000 receiving yards, was considered by some a late Round 1 addition and could have snuck into conversations for the selection on Thursday night. When looking at the draft board, only two receivers were consensusly in his range as “BPA” options. Regardless, Higgins has great hands, is physical in space and wins with size over route-runner. Caley gets his new version of Puka Nacua on the outside to complete the trifecta of pass-catchers for C.J. Stroud in 2025.

Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery

Draft Wire: 33 PFF: 37 Daniel Jeremiah: 69 Field Yates: 56 Mel Kiper Jr.: 76 Dane Brugler: 50 Consensus: 84

Considered by many the best Day 2 tackle option, Ersery might have been a slight reach, but the need could outweigh the selection process. Houston had to target a potential long-term starting left tackle after trading away five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil to Washington. This pick could age in time should he become a Day 1 starter over Cam Robinson.

Iowa State WR Jaylin Noel

Draft Wire: 100 PFF: 79 Daniel Jeremiah: 50 Field Yates: 58 Mel Kiper Jr.: 56 Dane Brugler: 72 Consensus: 44

Perhaps the biggest steal of Day 2, Noel is a slot-only weapon who should add value on special teams. He’s an exceptional route-runner and consistent chain-mover across the middle of the field. Houston might have gotten the better Cyclone nearly 50 picks after selecting Higgins.

USC DB Jaylin Smith

Draft Wire: N/A PFF: 241 Daniel Jeremiah: 114 Field Yates: 183 Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: 237

This one was far and away the biggest reach of Round 2. Smith was a projected mid-Day 3 pick who landed in the top 100. The hope is he’ll be a Day 1 contributor on special teams to at least add value to the selection.

USC RB Woody Marks

Draft Wire: 245 PFF: 245 Daniel Jeremiah: N/A Field Yates: 166 Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: 188

Best used as a pass-catching option, Marks should be a factor through the air on mid-level downs while serving as the No. 2 behind Pro Bowler Joe Mixon.

Penn State DB Jaylen Smith

Draft Wire: N/A PFF: 134 Daniel Jeremiah: 74 Field Yates: 141 Mel Kiper Jr.: 104 Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: 121

Given how most big boards had Reed falling into the early stages of Day 3, this ended up being a solid pick for the Texans. The best question now turns to how good will he be for Houston this fall with C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jalen Pitre locking down to starting spots? Get ready to learn special teams, Mr. Reed.

Florida QB Graham Mertz

Draft Wire: N/A PFF: 266 Daniel Jeremiah: N/A Field Yates: N/A Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: N/A

When one publication has a draftable grade on you, that should answer whether a pick is a reach. Hopefully Mertz can become a solid backup and an overall quality locker room friend.

Rutgers Kyonte Hamilton

Draft Wire: N/A PFF: N/A Daniel Jeremiah: 141 Field Yates: N/A Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: N/A

Hamilton entering the year should be a solid depth piece with upside to make the active 53-man roster. Nothing more, nothing less.

Iowa TE Luke Lachey

Draft Wire: 174 PFF: 254 Daniel Jeremiah: N/A Field Yates: 148 Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A Dane Brugler: N/A Consensus: 245

Given that multiple outlets were giving Lachey a draftable grade, adding him among the final 10 picks is actually quite promising. Houston might have found itself a blocking tight end with red zone upside.