The Houston Texans are in the middle of an important offseason where the focus has shifted to improving the roster around third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud.
After securing two AFC South division titles, the Texans must be careful with their spending money since they currently have less than $10 million in cap space. Houston has three top 100 picks, including pick No. 25, to better the roster for the long haul by securing promising players for the future.
In a new mock draft from CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli, the Texans go in a different direction than a wide receiver with their first overall pick. Instead, Houston elects to address the offensive line by selecting former Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
“Josh Simmons offers versatility in that he’s played both tackle spots in college,” Fornelli wrote. “He could move inside to guard until a spot at tackle opens up between Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.”
Despite coming off a season-ending knee injury, Simmons is expected to be cleared for workouts before the end of training camp. Best serving as a left tackle, a transition to the right side makes more sense since Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowl tackle on the left side, seems locked into the spot.
Howard has experience at both guard positions, which could solve an issue for one guard spot entering free agency. Former second-round pick Blake Fisher also could see reps at right guard while competing for right tackle reps with Simmons throughout training camp.
Simmons’ position versatility offers upside for Houston to play the best starting five while shoring up the pass protection under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. It’s a start for a team desperate to upgrade a line that allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL last season.