Feb. 22, 2026, 3:14 p.m. CT
The NFL Combine is less than 24 hours away, which will serve as the first stage of setting up teams for the 2026 NFL season.
The Houston Texans will look to build on their promising 12-win campaign this offseason, hoping next fall will be a season to remember as they play for their first-ever conference championship. Yes, C.J. Stoud must improve as a gunslinger, but the roster could use a bit moe of a youthful upgrade before Week 1 rolls around.
That starts by watching out for names in Indianapolis as over 300 players will partake in the workouts, inteviews and drills over the next seven days in preparation for the impending NFL Draft. Who should the Texans be on the look for as potential first-round targets?
Here’s 20 names that very well could be in line for the Texans when on the clock at pick No. 28.
General manager Nick Caserio does have a thing for drafting players from the SEC in Round 1. Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU), Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) and Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) were all top 20 selections who called the Southeastern Conference home. Given the need for help at offensive tackle, Proctor, who could slide in at either right tackle or guard, so be on a short list of options.
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If the Texans are looking to keep Tytus Howard inside at guard, right tackle has become a priority to upgrade this offseason. Miller had been a starter at Clemson since he was a freshman and finished his college career with 54 starts, all at right tackle. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle became a three-time All-ACC selection and allowed just seven sacks over his last two seasons. From an experience standpoint, this is the type of player Caserio would target.
Back to the SEC, but instead of Alabama, it’s the other juggernaut known for producing NFL talent on the regular. Freeling, who only started two years, was named second-team All-SEC in 2025 as the Bulldog’s starting left tackle. A transition to the right side might take some time, but his upside could be higher than both Proctor and Miller since he’s been one of the conference’s best run blockers for two years.
Much like right tackle, right guard is a position up for grabs. Ioane started two seasons and helped the Nittany Lions produce one of the nation’s best backfields in 2024 en route to a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. The Texans could use someone with Ioane’s pedigree to become a fixture for the new look offensive line under second-year coach Cole Popovich, alongside Tay Ersery.
Often remembered as the “other” tackle beside Spencer Fano, Lomu has been one of the most consistent tackles in college for three seasons. A starter at left tackle, the 6-foot-6 tackle excels as a run blocker and only allowed four sacks over his final two seasons. He’s raw, but perhaps the best player on the board at pick No. 28.
Most Texans fans would love to see Pregnon be the selection on Day 2, but he could secure a first-round grade with a promising combine outing. Last season, Pregnon was the best run-blocker on Oregon’s offensive line, helping four rushers average over 4.7 yards a carry. He’s considered by many to be the No. 2 guard in this draft class after earning All-American honors and might be the best player left for Caserio to target should other teams make a run on tackles.
At some point, the Texans will have to stop bringing in options on one-year deals and finally address their defensive tackle position with youth. McDonald, a 326-pound mauler from Georgia, could be worth watching if the offensive linemen run occurs. He’s a promising run stopper with upside as a pass rusher coming off an All-Big Ten campaign. Last season, he totaled 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. At worst, he should be under consideration.
Iheanachor would be the perfect option to target on Day 2, but a run of linemen could move him up draft boards. As the most consistent player from the Senior Bowl offensive line group, scouts have already gotten a look at the 6-foot-5, 325-pound right tackle. He’s made 31 starts in two years, all over at right tackle. That has to mean something for Caserio, right?
Banks barely played last season due to a foot injury and his missing impact was felt for the Gators. A year prior, no one in the SEC was better and winning their one-on-one battles in pass-rushing. In 2024, he totaled seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks while having the highest-ranked pass-rushing grade by Pro Football Focus among SEC defensive tackles.
After shifting inside to left guard, Bisontis became a staple in pass protection. While he still needs work as a run blocker, the three-year starter’s upside in pass blocking might make him a first-round target for teams in the later rounds.