March 16, 2026, 11:05 a.m. CT

What’s the right move for the Houston Texans when it comes to drafting a player in the first round at pick No. 28?

Is it offensive tackle?

Is it guard?

Is it on the defensive side?

Po Football Focus’ Gordan McGuinness recently released his mock draft following the first wave of free agency entering the week. Hoping to shore up the right side of the offensive line long-term, McGuiness has Houston targeting Clemson tackle Blake Miller to become a staple opposite rookie blindside protector Tay Ersery.

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“The Texans signed Braden Smith, who has played right tackle in the NFL but may move to his college position of guard,” McGuiness wrote. “Even if he sticks at right tackle, a future replacement would still be a good investment. Miller has been rising on draft boards, coming off an 83.5 PFF pass-blocking grade this past season.”

Adding Miller would bring a solid run blocker with plug-and-play experience on the right side, which could be considered an upgrade over Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor or Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, both likely set to play left tackle or left guard. Shoring up the right side of the line would also allow the Texans to target a guard in the later rounds, perhaps, while adding in a name via free agency.

Houston could also trust the long-term plan with playing Miller should he not be ready in Week 1. After signing Colts longtime right tackle Braden Smith and Cardinals interior lineman Evan Brown, Miller could technically redshirt for a season before being asked to take on a starting role. Even if he’s not ready midseason, Smith could shift over to guard, allowing longtime veteran Trent Brown to fill in at right tackle for several games.

There’s not a lot of flash to his game, but Miller’s expected to be a stable option that should be an NFL starter for years to come. It’s not the only move Houston can make to fix the offensive line, but it’s a step in a direction that should give more promise entering 2026.

As for the rest of the mock draft, McGuiness has the Texans targeting a long-term replacement for Calen Bullock ahead of free agency at pick No. 38 with the addition of LSU defender A.J. Haulcy. A former Houston Cougars standout, Haulcy helped the Tigers feature one of the more improved defensive back units in college football under second-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker, racking up 60 tackles, four pass breakups and three interceptions.

At pick No. 59, the Texans shore up the center competition by adding Auburn’s Connor Lew. From a talent perspective, Lew is a top 40 player in the class with incredible upside as a young pillar on the offense live. The only reason for a draft day tumble is his season-ending knee injury, which could sideline him through most of the summer and into training camp. The worst-case option? Lew serves a medical redshirt season while Jake Andrew holds down the center job through 2026.

In Round 3, McGuinness has Houston finding a running mate for Woody Marks and David Montgomery in Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. No one has gained more ground in their positional ranking over the last month than Washington, who averaged 5.0 yards per carry for his career between stops at Buffalo, New Mexico State and Arkansas.

To check the entire mock draft, click the link here.