Updated March 3, 2026, 3:43 p.m. CT
At the end of the day, one pick won’t define the Houston Texans‘ 2026 season, but the notion of missing out on an offensive lineman once again could make or break the AFC South franchise once more.
It’s now Year 4 of the C.J. Stroud era and something must change. Houston’s won the division twice and made it to the divisional rounds all three years in the postseason, but regardless of the team, the results have stayed the same. Instead of picking at No. 24 like in years past, the Texans will select 28th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft after going 12-5.
Houston doesn’t have any glaring needs on defense, depending on the status of a new deal with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins ahead of free agency, but the offense, mostly the offensive line, will no doubt be the biggest focus for general manager Nick Caserio this offseason. Shoring up the interior line, in particular, is a glaring need, especially following the trade of Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
The good news? Houston’s run game woes should be solved in theory with the arrival of Detroit Lions’ star David Montgomery. Yes, the power back of the Motor City offense is 28 and coming off his worst season in terms of carries, but maybe that’s a bonus for the Texans since they won’t be landing a runner with too much tread on the feet.
With the NFL combine in the rear-view and free agency set to begin, it’s time to give you Texans Wire’s second mock draft of the 2026 offseason. Using the Pro Football Network simulator, this first draft won’t feature trades, meaning all seven picks will be in the location leading up to the draft.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Without further ado, here’s our second attempt of trying to get the Texans built to win their first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history next season outa at SoFi Stadium.
While the Texans could target a defensive tackle or offensive tackle, the value isn’t there based on the mock draft results. Pregnon very well could be a top 30 pick given his experience and several mock drafts have Houston landing him on Day 2. It’s best to pull the trigger now and avoid running into a fight to the finish in the second round to acquire a ready-made starter on the interior offensive line.
Everything this offseason should be built around C.J. Stroud’s improvement in the pocket. Much of that process involves keeping the quarterback upright. This is an easy pick since the All-American interior lineman checks off every box Caserio looks for in a draft pick. Pregnon, who might be one of the most improved interior linemen in the Big Ten, moves so well for such a physical, nasty presence in the run blocking. He’s an older prospect, having played six college seasons for three different programs, but he also might be the most stable linemen in the class, having earned a first-team nod at left guard while playing for the Ducks last fall.
Given his experience, Pregnon can start on Day 1, which would be a major plus for the Texans should they miss out on a linemen in free agency. If Houston fixes the line before April, the veteran could become a primary backup that eventually would fight his way into a starting role no later than 2027.Â
Even if the Texans find a right tackle option in free agency, they need a long-term plan. Perhaps bringing back Trent Brown on a one-year deal to fill the gap initially is the best course of action for Houston while looking for the future Day 1 starter within the first 40 picks. Even after landing Pregnon at 28, the Texans should double down on linemen early, which is why Iheanachor could be the ideal fit for stabilization on the right side beyond 2026.
Experience is the keyword for Iheanachor, a fifth-year senior who made the most of his time out west.  The redshirt senior started 31 games over his three seasons with the Sun Devils, including all 14 of their College Football Playoff run in 2024. He also was the team’s most well-rounded blocker for two seasons, allowing four sacks and less than a 10 perecent pressure rate in back-to-back years.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman has one of the highest floors in the draft and wowed scouts during his time at the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine. His 4.91 40-yard time was among the top three for all linemen, plus he looked fluid during the wave drill when moving laterally. He could end up being a Day 1 pick, but somehow, he falls into Houston’s reach on Day 2.
The Texans eventually need to bring in a young defensive tackle who can pair alongside All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. in the trenches. The last time Houston targeted a Georgia defender, it turned out to be one of the league’s top No. 2 cornerbacks in Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter. Miller, a developmental 3-tech, has high upside as a pass rusher and excels in run blocking. He’s violent as a 1-on-1 disruptor and finishes drives by throwing linemen out of his way.
The Texans plan on bringing back Rankins and still have Tommy Togiai under contract. Miller can rotate in for a season while acclimating to DeMeco Ryans’ defensive front. He needs time, but should he continue to bulk up and work on his ability to anchor the interior, there’s a Pro Bowl-caliber starter waiting to break out.
This has the chance to be the steal of the draft. Lew was in line to be a top 40 selection before a torn ACL suffered in October sidelined him for the rest of the regular season. A team captain at Auburn, the 6-foot-3 center is a mauler in run blocking sets, taking defenders out of the play thanks to his strong hands and voilent play style.
Yes, the Texans must add a proven center, but spending big on a Cade Mays might be out of reach. Targeting someone like Ethan Pocic for a year while getting Lew caught up to speed? It’s a win-win all around. Even if he doesn’t land in Houston, don’t be surprised that in two years Lew ends up being a Pro Bowl interior lineman and the anchor of any run game.
To get the best out of Nick Caley’s offense, Houston needs stability at tight end. Somehow, Klare fell out of Day 2 and right into Houston’s lap. Will this happen on draft weekend? Who knows, but we’re not passing up on a top 100 talent to become the future heir to Dalton Schultz.
A three-year starter with an impressive resume between Purdue and Ohio State, Klare finished his final collegiate season with 43 catches for 448 yards and two touchdowns. He is considered one of the more athletic tight ends in the draft with average blocking skills, something Caley must help him improve upon should he remain a do-it-all option for Houston long-term.
Everything is about adding depth to the trenches. Cooper, a three-year starter for the Hurricanes, Â is a stout, physical presence that uses his massive frame to slow down defenders early in the rep. He’s a limited player, often using his frame to win over his athletic skills, but there’s a role for him to compete for reps at both right and left guard. Worst-case scenario, Cooper becomes the next Juice Scruggs for two or three years before being shipped out for a proven player.
One can never have too much depth in the trenches. Adding Kennan, who last season totaled two sacks, is just a smart move for Houston to continue building stability in the long-term.
Finding a hard-nose running back that will fight through contact should be a priority late for Houston and Moss fits the bill. There’s nothing flashy on tape, but Moss consistently keeps his feet moving after colliding with defenders. This is a blue-collar runner who’s more than capable of keeping drives alive and taking on a decent workload.