2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Texans going defense in Round 1?

At the end of the day, one pick won’t define the Houston Texans‘ 2026 season, but the notion of missing out on an offensive lineman once again could make or break for the Texans once more.

With the Seattle Seahawks claiming their second Super Bowl title following a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots, the offseason is underway and all 32 teams know where they’re picking for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Houston once again finds itself coming up short, this time picking 28th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after going 12-5. C.J. Stroud is back for another season, but he’ll need to prove his value as potentially the long-term answer at quarterback following a disastrous postseason appearance.

The Texans don’t have any glaring needs on defense, depending on the status of a new deal with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins ahead of free agency, but the offense, mostly the offensive line, will no doubt be the biggest focus for general manager Nick Caserio this offseason. Shoring up the interior trenches, in particular, is a glaring need, but right tackle could also be a position to monitor since the Texans could shift Tytus Howard to right guard full-time.

As the offseason officially begins, Texans Wire has rounded up the latest 2026 NFL mock drafts, where experts believe the Texans will more than likely shore up the trenches should they stay in the first-round, and three names that constantly seem to appear as the favorite for Houston at No. 28.

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Georgia OT Monroe Freeling

PFF’s Dalton Wasserman: “Tytus Howard’s versatility at both guard and tackle gives Houston the flexibility to draft the best offensive lineman available. That player could be Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, who has been climbing draft boards after a major leap in pass protection this season. His 85.7 pass-blocking grade ranked seventh among qualified tackles, and he allowed just three sacks on the year.”

CBS Sports’ Mike Renner: “Freeling rose throughout his third year at Georgia and is one of the few top offensive linemen who is a surefire tackle. That’s key for Houston, which could use a long-term option on the right side with Blake Fisher’s development lagging. Freeling is sturdily built and can easily hold up vs. NFL power.”

USA Today’s Jacob Camenker: “Houston found its left tackle of the future in the 2025 NFL Draft, as Aireontae Ersery found solid success as a rookie. They could still use a “right-side bookend” to help C.J. Stroud, and Copilot likes the idea of the 6-7, 315-pound Freeling getting a chance to win that role.”

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: “Houston turned its offensive line upside down last offseason in a full makeover effort, but there wasn’t enough improvement. The unit was still 30th in pass block win rate at 55.5%, though the sack count dropped from 54 (tied for third most) to 31 (tied for ninth fewest). There’s also the matter of the entire right side being unsigned for 2026. Proctor had all 40 of his career starts at left tackle (where Aireontae Ersery was this season), but he could slide to right tackle or even inside to guard. The bigger priority is getting capable blockers in front of C.J. Stroud.”

ESPN’s Field Yates: “Proctor had an uneven 2025 season at Alabama, which made some scouts wary of his overall foot quickness against twitchy edge rushers. But there is zero debate about his power and size (6-foot-7, 366 pounds), which could be crucial for Houston’s rushing attack. The Texans were last in run block win rate in 2025.”

Yahoo! Sports’ Nate Tice: “The Texans’ offensive line is still a problem, so Houston can take a massive swing here to fix it with the 6-foot-7, 370-pound Proctor. He has to answer questions about his conditioning, but if he can stay in shape at the next level, he has a chance to tap into the athleticism that has scouts and fans so excited about his upside.”

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm: “Bama’s left tackle is a complex evaluation and didn’t have a first-round type of season in 2025, but he’s a gifted mauler who could find a better home inside. The Texans still must upgrade the offensive front and might be the perfect team to gamble on his talent.”

Texans Wire’s Cole Thompson: “Moving Tytus Howard inside to guard could benefit both sides since he’ll be on one of the more team-friendly contracts regarding the position in terms of value. Proctor has never seen reps on the right side, but his footwork, hand usage and ability to win in pass-protection make him a priority option should the Texans stick around in Round 1. He has 40 starts on his resume in the SEC and allowed just five sacks in over 1,800 passing sets.”

The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner: “There could be a wide range for Proctor, whose blend of size and athleticism is a dream come to life for every offensive line coach with a pulse. However, Proctor’s inconsistencies on tape are impossible to ignore, and it’ll take a patient staff to make this work early.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Clemson OT Blake Miller

ESPN’s Matt Miller: “Miller probably isn’t a first-rounder in the 2025 draft. But in a 2026 class that lacks a high number of prospects with a first-round grade, drafting a rock-solid right tackle with a ton of experience (54 starts) and just two sacks and two blown run blocks allowed last season seems like good value. Miller would slide into the starting lineup opposite Aireontae Ersery, last year’s second-rounder, to form a young bookend duo that can help protect C.J. Stroud well enough to elevate his game as his rookie contract nears expiration. Considering the Texans finished 30th in pass block win rate (55.5%), they could use the help. Miller received a lot of love from scouts I talked to at the Senior Bowl, something that could push him up boards.”

NFL Network’s Cynthia Freelund: “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.”

Oregon offensive linemen Iapani Laloulu, left, and Emmanuel Pregnon line up as the Oregon Ducks host the Montana State Bobcats on Aug. 30, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Oregon OL Emmanuel Pregnon

NBC Sports’ Connor Rodgers: “The Texans had a Super Bowl-caliber defense this year and know what they have to do now: Put as much help in front of C.J. Stroud. Pregnon is a four-year college starter that has played both guard spots. He found an even higher level of play in 2025 (his lone season at Oregon), where he thrived on the move in the zone run game.”

Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer: “The Texans’ weak offensive line might lose average right guard Ed Ingram in free agency and needs more youthful talent upgrades. Pregnon moves so well for such a physical, nasty presence inside.”

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: “Houston needs help on the offensive line, but the best available prospect in this scenario could be a defensive lineman. McDonald is an ascending talent with the “SWARM” mentality DeMeco Ryans looks for.”

Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander: “If McDonald is the pick here, he has the potential to be a Day 1 starter, or a key rotational player depending on who the Texans decide to sign or re-sign in free agency. Tim Settle Jr., Sheldon Rankins and Foley Fatukasi all will be free agents this spring. The Texans could also release Mario Edwards to save $4.5 million in cap space.

“McDonald, who is 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, is more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, which is exactly what the Texans need. He had 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2025.”

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) shown on the field pregame prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson DL Peter Woods

USA Today Ayrton Ostly: “Houston’s defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2025 but could use more help along the interior defensive line. Woods looked like a top-five pick coming into the 2025 college football season but underperformed. He’s shown flashes and would be in the environment to improve with time.”

Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) blocks Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Trevion Williams (23) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor

Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema: Iheanachor made a statement during Senior Bowl week, showcasing the ceiling of a first-round offensive tackle. His movement and body control made him a wall in pass protection on days two and three of Senior Bowl practices, making it nearly impossible for any pass rusher to get around him. He is a better pass blocker than a run blocker, but his physical gifts don’t come around very often.

Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.

NFL Tankathon:

The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman: “Hill could be a bit of a wild card, but his blend of size (6-3, 238) and athleticism is basically ideal for an NFL stack linebacker. Can he continue to grow in terms of processing the run game in the NFL, though? Hill is a tempting talent, but his landing spot likely will depend on how he interviews.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

CBS Sports Blake Brockermeyer: “Kenyon Sadiq is a fluid mover who runs like a big wide receiver. He catches naturally away from his body, finds soft spots in coverage and is a dependable target you can count on. He offers big-play ability after the catch and is a solid blocker.”

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Utah OT Caleb Lomu

Pro Football Network’s Jack Aaron: “Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled in the playoff loss to New England, though poor protection was an issue throughout the season. Rookie Aireontae Ersery had difficulties on the left side, while veteran Trent Brown held his own at times on the right but is set to hit free agency.”

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah: “Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build around on the offensive line.”

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20.

Florida DT Caleb Banks

NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks: “The Texans could lean into a strength-on-strength philosophy by adding another building block to their championship-caliber defense. Banks’ superior size, strength and disruptive potential would enhance a front that features a pair of destructive bookends in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.”

Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick: “The Texans fielded the NFL’s highest-graded group of edge defenders in 2025, but could stand to upgrade at defensive tackle. Banks played in only three games this past season at Florida due to a foot injury, but his 12% pressure rate since 2023 still ranked sixth among Power Four interior defenders over that stretch.”

Texas Tech's Lee Hunter prepares to play defense against BYU during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter prepares to play defense against BYU during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Texas Tech DL Lee Hunter

CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson: “Hunter is a heavy-handed presence in the middle who consistently makes life miserable for interior offensive linemen by eating up double teams and shedding blocks to swallow up running backs. While he’s still developing as a pass rusher, his ability to collapse the pocket with raw power and chase down plays from the backside shows he’s much more than your garden-variety two-gap space-eater.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Texans going defense in Round 1?

2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Texans going defense in Round 1?

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