The Houston Texans have some very obvious needs heading into the NFL Draft, but perhaps none is more glaring than their need for offensive line help. The Texans allowed 54 sacks this past season, and they subtracted three starters from their offensive line unit since the beginning of March. That includes five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil, who they traded to the Washington Commanders.
Taking that into consideration, just about everyone is expecting Houston to select an offensive lineman with the 25th overall pick of the draft next week, but Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski is actually warning Houston to stay away from the position. Why? Because Sobleski feels that Texans' offensive line unit has been "stabilized" thanks to young, developmental talents like Blake Fisher, Juice Scruggs, and Jarrett Patterson. "With the unit stabilized, Houston can look toward wide receiver, defensive tackle or cornerback with the 25th overall pick," Sobleski wrote.
You would surely have a difficult time getting most Houston fans to agree with that assessment, as the Texans don't possess a whole lot of proven talent in the trenches. Houston's top priority is cultivating a beneficial environment for C.J. Stroud, and in order to do that, the Texans must ensure that their offensive line is up to snuff. Clearly, it wasn't in 2024, and while some of those youngsters may improve next season, Houston can't really take that chance.
While wide receiver is also a very clear need for the Texans, it would be pretty surprising if Houston opted to stray away from a tackle or a guard with its first-round selection. The Texans have seven picks in this year's draft, including four within the top 100. This provides them with an opportunity to address multiple areas of concern, including the offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive tackle.
The departure of Laremy Tunsil has left a significant void in the Texans' offensive line. While Cam Robinson has been brought in to compete for the left tackle position, his recent injury history raises questions about his reliability. Additionally, the Texans traded former first-round guard Kenyon Green to Philadelphia, further weakening their interior line. These moves highlight the urgency of reinforcing the offensive line to protect Stroud and ensure his development as a franchise quarterback.
On the defensive side, the Texans could benefit from adding depth to their defensive line and secondary. While Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter provide strength at defensive end, the team lacks a dominant presence at defensive tackle. Upgrading this position could improve their run defense and pass rush, making them more competitive in the AFC South.
Ultimately, the Texans' draft strategy will depend on balancing immediate needs with long-term development. With limited draft capital, they must prioritize positions that will have the most impact on their success in the upcoming season. Whether they choose to focus on the offensive line, wide receiver, or defense, the Texans have an opportunity to make significant improvements and build a stronger foundation for the future
