The Houston Texans had a lot of success during the 2025 season, and the franchise has really had a ton of success over the last three seasons. The organization has advanced in the postseason each of the last three years, and Houston is looking to make the right moves during the 2026 offseason to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The season has ended at the Divisional round for the Texans in three consecutive years, so decision-makers are evaluating every possible move that could get the franchise over the hump. The organization has made some great moves so far this offseason, acquiring David Montgomery in a trade with the Detroit Lions and signing Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, and Reed Blankenship. General Manager Nick Caserio will look to add onto that with a great draft class.

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Houston fell short on the offensive side of the ball during the 2025 season, and that was obvious. The defense was one of the best in the league, while the offense struggled in several areas. The running game was not great, and the offensive line struggled. That is why the additions of Montgomery, Smith, and Teller have been praised, although there should be more work to do on that side of the ball in the draft.

Despite the offensive weaknesses, draft expert Field Yates of ESPN has Houston adding to the defensive side of the ball with two of its first three selections in the event. Yates predicts the Texans will bring in Peter Woods, a defensive tackle out of Clemson, with the 28th overall selection. At 38, it will be offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson, and at 59, it will be linebacker Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh.

Adding to the defense in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is probably not what a lot of fans would expect, but Yates’ reasoning behind the move made sense: “The right scheme would allow him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields frequently. Houston has the best defense in the AFC, but it could use some youth at defensive tackle, where Sheldon Rankins is 31 years old.”

If there is one area of the defense that Houston should focus on adding to, it is the defensive tackle spot. There isn’t a ton of youth or depth at that spot for Houston, especially with Tommy Togiai entering the final season of his contract. Adding a top pick in the NFL Draft at defensive tackle might prove to be a good move for the Texans.