Who should the Texans be targeting with their first-round pick?
The Houston Texans are in a good spot entering the 2025 NFL Draft, which takes place next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Houston had a great defense entering this offseason, but with the additions of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, along with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, it seems like they are set to take things to an even higher level, which is scary for the rest of the league.
With the defense nearly set, it is time to put a majority of their focus on the offensive side of the ball, and quarterback C.J Stroud. The Texans added a very solid, veteran wide receiver in Christian Kirk to pair with Nico Collins, but it seems like that group still needs one final piece, and it would not be a shock to see another one drafted early.
Here is a look at some of the top wide receiver prospects that Houston has met with:
- Matthew Golden (Texas)
- Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
- Kyle Williams (Washington State)
- Tre Harris (Ole Miss)
It would make sense for Houston to target a wide receiver early, but you also have to remember that in order for Stroud to even get the ball to these playmakers, he needs time in the pocket, or the team has no chance to seriously compete in 2025.
The offensive line was horrific in 2024, and the team was still able to make it to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs, which says a lot about the true potential of this team.
The Texans traded away their best offensive lineman in Laremy Tunsil early this offseason, therefore it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the team will address that position early, and likely the first-round.
There have been several additions along the offensive line
since the trade, but none seem to be long-term answers. The biggest addition so far has been former Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson, who signed a one-year deal, up to $12M.
Robinson is likely going to be the starting left tackle, while 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher could be the answer at right tackle. There is also a scenario in which former first-round pick Tytus Howard could slide to right tackle, or continue to play guard.
The Texans seem to have short-term answers at their offensive tackle spots, which is good, but they need to get better on the interior, and they absolutely will.
Here is a look at some of the top offensive line prospects that Houston has met with:
- Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
- Tyler Booker (Alabama)
- Josh Connerly Jr. (Oregon)
- Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
- Charles Grant (William & Mary)
It all depends on how the board shapes up, which is extremely unpredictable, but the Texans should target an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. Protecting Stroud is a priority, and the wide receiver class is deep, meaning they can get a quality player with one of their other premium picks.