Houston Texans Offensive Depth Chart: Post-Draft Analysis

Evaluating the Houston Texans depth with all the talent added on offense in the draft

Last week we discussed the defense in depth and all the additions Houston made, particularly at the back end of the draft. This week is the offense’s turn to evaluate the Post-Draft Depth Chart for the Houston Texans. Houston added six offensive players via the draft; the most General Manger Nick Caserio has spent on in one class.

The Texans checked every box across the offense in this draft… even quarterback. The first priority this offseason was to improve the protection up front for QB C.J. Stroud. The second priority was to surround him with weapons. This draft accomplished both as Houston spent its first three picks on wide receivers and offensive line.

Quarterbacks

• Starters: C.J. Stroud
• Backups: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz
• Depth: Kedon Slovis

Analysis: Houston adding a QB was not on my vision board for the 2025 NFL Draft. While the need existed for a third QB, the real reason for selecting Graham Mertz was Davis Mills’ impending end of his rookie contract. Mertz provides a long-term solution in case Houston desires to part ways with the former starting QB.

Mertz’s season-ending knee injury will delay his growth, but he appears to be well on his way to recovering as he was throwing passes at his Florida Pro Day. Ideally, Mertz never sees the field in a meaningful game and is a professional clipboard holder for the Texans.

Running Backs

• Starters: Joe Mixon
• Backups: Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogumbowale, Woody Marks
• Depth: J.J. Taylor, Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks, Jakob Johnson

Analysis: Another year, another late-round running back. Woody Marks is a dynamic pass catching running back who reminds me of LA Rams’ Kyren Williams. Marks was highlighted on Joe’s Top Five RB Targets for the Houston Texans before the draft.

Marks puts immediate pressure on fourth-year RB Pierce and pass blocking stalwart Ogumbowale. His addition also stunts the potential development of youngsters Jawhar Jordan and J.J. Taylor who impressed last preseason.

Tight Ends

• Starters: Dalton Schultz
• Backups: Brevin Jordan, Luke Lachey
• Depth: Irv Smith Jr
• Injured: Cade Stover

Analysis: Luke Lachey is a necessary evil for the other tight ends on the roster. Lachey is a blocking specialist. Houston had the worst blocking tight end room in the NFL last season. Lachey creates pressure on the three incumbents and forces their hand to block better or Lachey will immediately take their snaps on offense.

Cade Stover fractured his collar bone in the Wild Card game and could start the season on IR. Stover projects to be a dual-use tight end in his second season, but he needs to demonstrate dramatic improvement in his route tree and blocking capability. Brevin Jordan is this group’s X-factor when healthy, but he’s yet to compile a fully healthy season.

Wide Receivers:

• Starters: Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins
• Backups: John Metchie III, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson
• Depth: Justin Watson, Braxton Berrios, Johnny Johnson III, Xavier Johnson, Jared Wayne, Daniel Jackson
• Injured: Tank Dell

Analysis: Iowa State REPRESENT! Jayden and Jaylin bolster this group and provide much needed athleticism. Noel’s addition is particularly illuminating; he is the presumed heir to the slot receiver role after Christian Kirk’s one year is up and Tank Dell’s injury recovery looms over his long-term future. Higgins will impress with his nuanced route running for a player of his size, while Noel brings straight-line speed and intermediate route prowess.

Free agent receivers Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios have been put on notice too; they must find ways to contribute immediately or be replaced by the two Iowa State rookies.

Offensive Tackles

• Starters: Cam Robinson, Blake Fisher
• Backups: Aireontae Ersery, Trent Brown
• Depth: Zach Thomas, Jaylon Thomas, Austin Deculus

Analysis: Guard would have been my first (and second) choice, but the Texans went with the best player on the board. Ersery will compete with Cam Robinson for the starting left tackle role. Ersery is a wide bodied

Offensive Guards & Centers

• Starters: Tytus Howard, Juice Scruggs, Ed Ingram
• Backups: Jarrett Patterson, Laken Tomlinson
• Depth: Jerome Carvin, Nick Broeker, LaDarius Henderson, Eli Cox

Analysis: For those looking to see two new names added to this group, you’ll leave disappointed. There’s a slight potential for Ersery to slide to left guard to start his career, but it is more likely Howard starts in this role. If not, Howard can shift back to right tackle and supplant Fisher. The two names to watch are Henderson and Cox. Henderson is a seventh round pick from 2024 who was injured all season. He is at rookie minicamp and appears to have reengineered his entire physique. He has left guard experience; if he can push Howard back to right tackle that would drastically improve my opinion on this offensive line.

The sole UDFA is Eli Cox from Kentucky; team captain, allowed zero sacks in 357 pass blocks last year, and has experience across the entire interior offensive line. He should compete for the starting center role.

Offense analysis: The offensive line looks……. new? It’s open season on the entire offensive line and that will make or break the entire 2025 season. If this group can be average, the 16th best offensive line in the league, Houston has a shot at making the AFC Championship game. A lot hinges on the development of the two rookie receivers too. If either are able to start immediately, they can bolster a group reeling from the losses of Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. They have the veteran wide receivers capable of bridging the gap until they’re ready, which was a savvy move by the front office.

Next week will be the EIGHTH ANNUAL Rosterology post where I will predict who is in and out of the 53-man roster.