Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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The Houston Texans are coming off a 12-5 regular season and a playoff win, but they have key free agents to re-sign and holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, experts have offered a range of options for the Texans’ first-round pick at No. 28 overall, including offensive tackles Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller, and Monroe Freeling, as well as defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Texas Tech.
Why it matters
The Texans need to continue building around young quarterback CJ Stroud, who had a tough playoff loss, by shoring up the offensive line. But they also have defensive line needs with key free agents set to hit the market. Finding the right balance between offense and defense will be crucial for the Texans to take the next step as a contender.
The details
Experts have offered several options for the Texans’ first-round pick, including offensive tackles Caleb Lomu (Utah), Blake Miller (Clemson), and Monroe Freeling (Georgia), as well as defensive tackle Lee Hunter (Texas Tech). The offensive line options would help protect Stroud, while Hunter could bolster the defensive front if the Texans lose free agents Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle.
The Texans finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5 record and a playoff win over the Steelers.The Texans were eliminated from the playoffs in the Divisional Round after quarterback CJ Stroud had a tough game against the Patriots.
The players
CJ Stroud
The Texans’ starting quarterback, who had a strong regular season but struggled in the playoffs.
DeMeco Ryans
The Texans’ head coach, who will be tasked with addressing the team’s needs in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sheldon Rankins
The Texans’ starting defensive tackle, who is set to hit free agency.
Tim Settle
The Texans’ starting defensive tackle, who is also set to hit free agency.
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What they’re saying
“The automatic assumption is that the Houston Texans will start building around quarterback C.J. Stroud instead of investing in what’s already a top-notch defense.”
— Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)
“While the Texans featured a strong defensive line this past season, starting defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle are about to hit free agency. This pick maintains the Texans’ defensive dominance.”
— Matt Holder, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)
“My model really likes Miller, who projects as a right tackle at the next level. The math favored him even more than Caleb Lomu when evaluating through a position-agnostic lens. His waist-bender projections are second-lowest in the class among both tackles and guards.”
— Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com (NFL.com)
What’s next
The Texans will need to evaluate their free agent needs and determine the best path forward in the 2026 NFL Draft to address both their offensive and defensive line concerns.
The takeaway
The Texans have a talented roster and are close to being a true contender, but they must make the right decisions in free agency and the draft to shore up their offensive and defensive lines. Balancing those needs will be crucial for the team’s long-term success.