Feb. 3, 2026, 5:21 p.m. CT
Who could the Houston Texans pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
ESPN has a few ideas on what to do with the AFC South franchise’s top three selections.
Matt Miller recently released his first two-round mock draft following the Senior Bowl and didn’t have many surprises surrounding the 12-win Texans. Two of the biggest moves Houston must make this offseason are addressing the offensive line and bolstering up the run game to find a stable running mate opposite Woody Marks.
While perhaps a new name, Miller still has Houston upgrade its trench play in the first round at pick No. 28. The difference? Instead of an Alabama’s Kaydn Proctor or an Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon, the draft guru sees the Texans going after Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller.
Much like other pundits, the move would signal a permanent switch for Tytus Howard over to left guard as a running mate for Aierontae Ersery.
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“Miller probably isn’t a first-rounder in the 2025 draft. But in a 2026 class that lacks a high number of prospects with a first-round grade, drafting a rock-solid right tackle with a ton of experience (54 starts) and just two sacks and two blown run blocks allowed last season seems like good value,” Miller wrote. “Miller would slide into the starting lineup opposite Aireontae Ersery, last year’s second-rounder, to form a young bookend duo that can help protect C.J. Stroud well enough to elevate his game as his rookie contract nears expiration. Considering the Texans finished 30th in pass block win rate (55.5%), they could use the help. Miller received a lot of love from scouts I talked to at the Senior Bowl, something that could push him up boards.”
Adding Miller would present a solid run blocker with plug-and-play experience on the right side, which could be considered an upgrade over Proctor or Pregnon, two names likely set to either play left tackle or left guard. Shoring up the right side of the line would also allow the Texans to perhaps target a guard in the later rounds, behind adding in a name via free agency.
With two second-round picks, the Texans have options. At pick No. 38, Miller has Houston shoring up the last weak point of the secondary with Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, who last season played at an All-American level for the Ducks’ defense. He’d be a strong option to play near the line of scrimmage opposite the ball-hawking Calen Bullock.
“Thieneman was the quarterback of the Oregon secondary, showing quickness, great instincts and playmaking,” Miller wrote. “The Texans have one of the league’s best defenses, and Thieneman would slide in quickly as a strong safety.”
At pick No. 59, the Texans look to bulk up the run game with Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price. Over the last two years, Price has been a constant force in the ground game, averaging over six yards per run. He also should be used to being a secondary threat since Fighiting Irish used a two-tandem system over his tenure with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
“Woody Marks was a fourth-round revelation in last year’s draft, but Nick Chubb is a free agent and Joe Mixon’s future is uncertain,” Miller wrote. “Despite splitting carries with Jeremiyah Love, Price has starting NFL traits and scored 11 touchdowns last season while averaging 6.0 yards per carry.”
The Texans own eight picks in the upcoming draft, including four in the top 70.