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Kayden McDonald of the Ohio State Buckeyes participtates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Houston Texans have one of the more complete rosters in the NFL, with a healthy mix of both young talent and veteran experience on both sides of the football.
That gives the Texans an advantage heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They can take a step back and look at the big picture, planning out which positions need long-term plans behind some of their oldest veterans.
On their offensive line, Houston needs some young faces waiting in the wings. Sure, they signed guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Braden Smith in free agency, but both players are 32 and 30, respectively, and won’t be productive forever.
The defensive line is in a similar position. Sheldon Rankins was a key piece to their incredible defense last season, but at 31, he can’t be relied upon as the only presence on the interior.
That’s why Matt Miller has the Texans going hard and heavy on both the offensive and defensive trenches in his latest mock draft for ESPN.
Texans Select OT of the Future in Round 1
Miller has the Houston Texans selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with their first-round pick, No. 28 overall—hopefully, the long-term succession plan for Smith at right tackle.
“Signing 30-year-old Braden Smith to a two-year contract solves Houston’s right tackle need for the moment, but the Texans’ plan to build a young (aka inexpensive) offensive line around C.J. Stroud is still in place,” wrote Miller.
“Miller started 54 college games at right tackle and improved every season, allowing only two sacks in 2025. With 34-inch arms and a strong base to block from, Miller profiles as a solid starter with higher-end potential as he develops his run-blocking talents.”
Miller, the prospect, would be landing in an ideal situation where he doesn’t have to play right away.
He can wait in the wings, learning behind Smith and second-year left tackle Aireontae Ersery, before he’s thrust into a future starting role.
Texans Address Defensive Interior in Round 2
Thanks to the draft pick received from the Washington Commanders in last year’s Laremy Tunsil trade, the Houston Texans pick near the top of the second round, and use No. 38 on Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
“McDonald is an ascending prospect whose best football is ahead of him. He had high-end production from the middle of the line, posting three sacks last season on only 223 passing downs,” continued Miller.
“He would primarily anchor the middle of the line for Houston’s powerful defense, but McDonald has the all-around potential to become an elite 1-technique or nose tackle.”
McDonald is one of the top interior defensive linemen in the entire draft, ranking as the 21st-best overall prospect according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
The Buckeye would have the opportunity to play right away, slotting right next to Rankins as the other defensive tackle in Houston’s 4-3 scheme.
Texans Land Wyatt Teller Replacement at No. 59
With their own second-round pick, the Houston Texans can get their long-term plan behind Teller, selecting Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon at 59th overall.
“Houston signed 32-year-old Wyatt Teller but can find plenty of long-term guard options in this draft. Pregnon has starter-level strength at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds and brings an impressive ability to redirect defenders in the run game. He’s among the toughest, most physical players in the class,” wrote Miller.
In Pregnon, the Texans give themselves the same luxury they got in Miller, landing a young offensive lineman who doesn’t have to start right away, and can learn behind experienced veterans.
This draft class wouldn’t provide Houston with an immediate upgrade to their team, but it certainly improves their long-term competitive window, landing multiple future starters at incredibly important positions.
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