Finding a promising starter at the wide receiver position early in the draft in a year where the salary cap isn’t kind is simply smart business for the Houston Texans under general manager Nick Caserio.
Houston is all about saving money while adding premier talent in free agency.
That’s what Pro Football Focus has named the Texans’ doing in their latest article entering next week’s NFL Combine. When poised with the question of who is Houston’s “dream draft pick,” PFF made sure to consider addressing the offensive line first by adding Arizona Cardinals Will Hernandez in free agency.
In the draft, the Texans make the obvious pick for C.J. Stroud by landing Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka at pick No. 25.
“Stefon Diggs‘ likely departure and Tank Dell‘s devastating injury create a need in Houston’s receiving corps,” PFF wrote. “If Egbuka were to make it to Pick No. 25, the Texans should pull the trigger, adding a slot threat with elite body/speed control and a high football IQ, having earned a 79.5 PFF receiving grade this past season.”
.During Stroud’s final season in Columbus, Egbuka was the No. 2 weapon behind future first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. The duo connected for 74 catches and a career-best 1,151 to match his 10 touchdown receptions en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.
After being limited to 10 games in 2023, Egbuka elected to return for his senior season. The decision proved wise as he notched a second 1,000-yard campaign, serving once more as the No. 2 weapon behind Jeremiah Smith en route to a national championship.
Texans Wire’s John Crumpler recently broke down how Egbuka is a sure-fire pick for the Texans under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. A willing blocker, the 6-foot target might be limited inside, but he’s essentially the type of target Houston needs for Caley’s offense to elevate in 2025 beyond an average unit.
Knowing the Texans, however, a trade-back shouldn’t be off the table. Houston only has six picks and could be in the market to move back with a chance to grab more draft capital while landing two players for the price of one in Round 1.