March 3, 2026, 8:50 a.m. CT

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio has been known for trading out of the first round to land more draft compensation on Day 2. Will that be the case again in 2026?

According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, why break the streak?

In his latest two-round mock draft, the Arizona Cardinals once again do business with Houston to target their long-term quarterback replacement in Alabama’s Ty Simpson. In return for pick No. 28, the Texans receive the Cardinals’ second-round pick at No. 34 and both fourth-round picks, bringing their selection total to 10 entering Day 2.

With both top 10 picks in the second round, Houston strengthens its offensive line. At pick No. 34, the Texans shore up the right side of the offensive line with Clemson’s Blake Miller. With Tytus Howard gone, expect Miller to compete with a proven veteran for starting reps at right tackle.

“With Howard off to Cleveland and Juice Scruggs headed to Detroit, the Texans could address the offensive line here,” Reid wrote. “Losing Howard leaves Blake Fisher as their projected starter at right tackle. Miller started 54 career games at Clemson, so he is battle-tested and could potentially start right away with his run-blocking power and strong hands in pass protection.”

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Best known for his run-blocking prowess, Miller would help upgrade a lackluster run support staff that will now be tasked with blocking for former Lions star David Montgomery. Miller, who helped the Tigers reach the College Football Playoff in 2024, might not be NFL-ready from the jump, but Houston could bring back veteran Trent Brown on a one-year deal to fill the void until Miller proves his worth.

At pick No. 38, Houston shores up the interior with Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon. A proven commodity during his tenure at both USC and Oregon, Pregnon is an elite run blocker who has immense upside as a pass blocker.

“Nick Caserio’s reshuffling of the offensive front would continue here, as the Texans double down up front,” Reid wrote. “Pregnon is a powerful, 6-foot-4, 314-pound player who would address Houston’s glaring hole at right guard.”

With the final pick on Day 2, Houston addressed the defensive line, finding a long-term running mate to pair with All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. After a promising showcase at the Senior Bowl and combine, Oklahoma’s Gracen Halton seems to be the logical option at pick No. 59.

“Halton’s arrow is pointed upward, and he makes perfect sense for a Texans defense that needs interior help,” Reid wrote. “After a strong Senior Bowl week, Halton’s ascension continued at the combine, leading all defensive tackles with a 36½-inch vertical jump and a 4.82-second 40-yard dash.”

To read all of Reid’s mock draft, click here.