The Houston Texans find themselves in a challenging position as they head into the 2025 NFL offseason. Following a disappointing season characterized by a struggling offensive line, the Texans made the surprising decision to trade their star left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, to the Washington Commanders. This move has left the Texans with major questions regarding their offensive front, which had already been one of the weakest units in the league. The team is now faced with the urgent task of revamping this critical area as they prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.
As of March 18, 2025, the Texans find themselves coming off a season where they allowed a staggering 52 sacks, a clear indication of the pressing need to bolster their offensive line. The situation has only worsened since Tunsil’s departure, necessitating immediate attention to this weak link. NFL Draft Expert Daniel Jeremiah highlighted the Texans’ dilemma, suggesting that they must focus on selecting a new franchise left tackle to protect their investment in the quarterback position.
The recent offseason has been marked by significant movements for the Texans, including the deal with the Commanders, which brought in additional draft capital. Currently, the Texans hold the 25th overall pick in the first round and have expressed interest in trading down, potentially swapping their first-round pick for higher second and third-round selections, 38 and 77, respectively. This plan raises questions about balancing the need for immediate impact players against the allure of acquiring more picks for future objectives.
The Texans are managing their draft strategy closely, weighing the value of trading down against their immediate needs. Having extra picks in later rounds—alongside selections at 58 and 79—provides some flexibility, but it isn't without risk. With the Texans still needing to shore up their offensive line, the consensus among analysts emphasizes that trading away their 25th pick might compromise their chances of securing a top-tier offensive lineman.
As the Texans navigate these challenges, they understand that the draft presents a critical opportunity to acquire talent. With their focus on fortifying the offensive line, the Texans are reportedly considering Alabama guard Tyler Booker with that pivotal 25th overall selection. Booker, who has impressed at the combine, has the potential to fill a significant role immediately within the Texans’ reshuffling lineup.
The Texans have pursued other key free agents recently, including tackle Ed Ingram, acquired in a trade that included a 2026 sixth-round draft pick sent to the Minnesota Vikings. Ingram comes to Houston with experience, having started 41 games in his three-year career. He is projected to compete for a starting spot as the Texans look to solidify their offensive line.
In his post-free agency mock draft, Jeremiah noted that Houston should focus on reliable offensive line talent as head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio hone in on what they believe makes NFL-ready players. “The best guard in the draft is Alabama’s Tyler Booker,” Jeremiah stated, implying that if the Texans choose intelligently, they could fill essential gaps without waiting too long.
In addition to Booker, the Texans are also contemplating Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel as an option with their 58th pick. Given that Noel finished his college career with 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns, taking him could allow the Texans to bolster their offensive capabilities further. Additionally, his impressive combine performance, including a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a vertical jump of 41.5 inches, indicates he can contribute significantly on the field.
As for other potential picks, the team could also target offensive tackle Cameron Williams from Texas and defensive tackle Alfred Collins, who aims to reinforce their strong defensive presence after ranking ninth in the NFL for run defense in 2024. Collins, weighing 320 pounds and standing 6’5”, provides much-needed depth and strength to the defensive line.
The Texans’ draft strategy appears multi-faceted, aiming not only to infuse immediate talent but also to foster long-term development. Players like Jack Kiser and Craig Woodson are anticipated selections to improve the defense and special teams. Kiser, a linebacker from Notre Dame, recorded 90 tackles in a single season, while Woodson can add depth to the secondary.
Despite some recent signings and trades, the Texans’ primary focus in the upcoming draft should be on plugging crucial gaps, particularly in the offensive line. The mix of urgency from past performances and the infusion of new talent presents an opportunity for the Texans to create a more competitive lineup for the next season.
In conclusion, the Texans are embarking on a crucial phase of rebuilding their roster, with upcoming decisions in the draft offering both promise and uncertainty. By focusing their efforts on improving the offensive line and securing dynamic talents, the Texans hope to emerge as a more competitive force in the league once again.
