If the Houston Texans are going to keep the same offensive approach behind second-year coordinator Bobby Slowik, they’ll have to emphasize the run game.
Joe Mixon, who’s inching closer to becoming the first Texans’ running back since Carlos Hyde in 2019 to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season, remains the workhorse for Houston’s rushing attack. He’s posted four 100-yard outings and continues to be a touchdown machine.
He’s also set to turn 30 next year and might begin to lose steam over the final three years of his new contract. Alleviating pressure off second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud is essential for Houston’s offense to thrive and while Mixon has provided that in 2024, it must carry over into the final three years of his rookie deal.
One mock draft would tend to agree.
NFL WATCH
Kaleb Johnson is a big back with wiggle
and elite vision.
Questions remain about his long speed
and “twitchiness”
Where would you feel confident taking him in rookie drafts next year?
pic.twitter.com/Tp3YYbykhx— PlayerProfiler NFL (@Profiler_NFL) November 26, 2024
In Daft on Draft’s new mock draft, the Texans bolster their running back room with the selection of Iowa tailback Kaleb Johnson at pick No. 22. A Doak Walker Award finalist, Johnson’s physical north-to-south running approach would be an ideal fit in Slowik’s offense.
Joe Mixon has had a productive season for the Texans this season, but he will be entering his ninth season in 2025. We all know the shelf life of a running back and why a contingency plan is needed. Kaleb Johnson is an excellent scheme fit and gives the Texans that plan for life after Mixon.
In his first year as the Hawkeyes’ top runner, Johnson’s productivity has carried Iowa toward another potential eight-win season. Not only does he lead the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,492), but he also leads the conference in yards per attempt (6.7), rushing touchdowns (21) and carries (223).
The junior has also rushed for 100-plus yards in eight of his 11 appearances this year. He’s considered by multiple analysts as the No. 2 running back prospect behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who landed with the Dallas Cowboys with the 11th overall pick.
Maryland have no answer for Kaleb Johnson. 24 carries 125 yards and this touchdown as we reach midway in the third quarter.
That TD broke the Iowa record for most rushing TDs in a single season with 21! pic.twitter.com/1zpVNbjUMy
— Fantasy Wildcard Devy (@WildcardDevy) November 23, 2024
The Texans must build a new offensive line to protect Stroud, but that’s where free agency could factor in. Adding a cost-friendly running back on a potential five-year deal might benefit Houston tenfold should Johnson eventually surpass Mixon as the long-term RB1 in Houston.