The Houston Texans made another quick exit from the playoffs, and they head into the offseason with a lot of questions on offense. C.J. Stroud has yet to recapture the magic of his rookie season, playing inconsistent football behind a porous offensive line. Protection and weapons for Stroud are a priority this offseason.
Houston Texans’ NeedsOffensive Line
The Texans’ offensive line ranked in the bottom third of the league in 2025. They started a rookie (Aireontae Ersery) at one offensive tackle spot, while a pair of former promising rookies, Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson, both guard/center combos, never improved as most thought they would.
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Running Back
Joe Mixon could be a cap casualty after missing the entire season. Nick Chubb signed a one-year deal before the season and is near the end of his rope. Another back to pair with Woody Marks is needed.
Defensive Line
The Texans have just three players on the depth chart at defensive tackle, and Sheldon Rankins is slated for free agency.
MOCK DRAFTROUND 1: Olaivavega Ioane/G/Penn State
Image Credits: Instagram@OlaivavegaIoane
In recent years, the Texans made some head-scratching decisions on the offensive line, and it has cost them. Ioane brings talent to a unit that needs to be settled on the interior.
ROUND 2: Jadarian Price/RB/Notre Dame
October 18, 2025: Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price 24 runs with the ball during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. /CSM South Bend United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251018_zma_c04_781 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx
Price is a lot like Woody Marks, but faster. He’s a creative ball carrier who excels at catching the ball out of the backfield. The two will offer Houston a nice rotational tandem.
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ROUND 2: Zane Durant/DT/Penn State
October 04, 2025 Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Zane Durant 28 reacts to a stop during the NCAA, College League, USA football game between the UCLA Bruins and Penn State Nittany Lions at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Photo Credit : /CSM Pasadena United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20251004_zma_c04_690 Copyright: xCharlesxBausx
Durant fell short of scouts’ expectations this season, yet he’s an explosive interior tackle who has the size and style of a three-technique lineman. His intensity is infectious.
ROUND 3: Lee Hunter/DT/Texas Tech
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Big 12 Media Days Jul 8, 2025 Frisco, TX, USA Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Frisco The Star TX USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xRaymondxCarlinxIIIx 20250708_rtc_cb2_1827
After transferring to Texas Tech from Central Florida, Hunter took his game to the next level. He’s a wide-bodied interior lineman who moves incredibly well and is ready for this year’s draft. He would be a great pairing with Durant.
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