Last year, it seemed impossible for the Houston Texans to keep their star quarterback C.J. Stroud from getting hit. He was hit hard, every game, sometimes every other play. And, while that's not the only thing wrong, it was the biggest thing wrong with them.
2024 wasn't as magical as the 2023 season. In 2023, the Texans were coming off of a season that saw them win just a few games, and they had a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach the next year. Yet, somehow they found their way into the postseason and won a dominant game over the Cleveland Browns. This year, they won a playoff game again, but it didn't feel as great as the year before.
So, the Texans have to find a way to start protecting Stroud better. And, after trading away Laremy Tunsil, they have even more work to do, but now with more to work with. Tunsil didn't have a perfect season last year; in fact, it was bad by his standards, but he's still going to be missed.
So it's crucial that during the 2025 NFL Draft that the Texans address the offensive line by drafting a tackle and probably a guard. Heck, they should probably draft one of each just to be safe. But all jokes aside, they need a guy who can change this offensive line. And they are looking at all possible options, even guys who played at very small schools.
Texans visit with LT Charles Grant
Charles Grant is an offensive tackle from the College of William & Mary and a prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Grant started for three years at left tackle, with 41 starts total, including 36 in a row. In 2024, his senior year, he earned Consensus All-America First Team honors, showing his progress from a lesser-known recruit to a top player.
Grant’s strengths come from his athleticism and technique. He’s strong in pass protection, allowing only two sacks in his last three seasons, using his long arms and good hand skills. And we know that is what the Texans desperately need.
His play earned him a spot in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a key event for scouts to be able to see some of the smaller school players go up against some of the best older players in the country -- guys who will likely play in the NFL.
At 21 years old, Grant is viewed as a player with room to grow but starter potential. He’s projected as a Round 3 or 4 pick in the draft, thanks to his athletic ability, arm length, and experience, though his FCS background and need for more size are concerns. Teams with zone-run offenses might see him as a good fit, either at tackle or possibly guard if he adds weight.
As for the Texans, they could use him in a multitude of ways. They are doing their due diligence when it comes to the visits they are taking.
