Breaking down the Houston Texans NFL Draft outlook, including their picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections.
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Despite winning 12 games, the Houston Texans had their streak of AFC South division titles snapped last season. They still qualified for the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, winning on the road in the Wild Card Round before falling to the New England Patriots.
CJ Stroud struggled in the Divisional Round loss, raising some questions about his long-term outlook. In his defense, he has dealt with poor pass protection over the last two seasons, which has clearly made him uncomfortable.
On the other side of the ball, Houston fielded one of the best defenses in the NFL a season ago. GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans will now be tasked with maintaining that level of play while addressing key positional needs in the draft.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Houston Texans NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Houston Texans NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Pick Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 | |
| 2 | 38 | via WAS |
| 2 | 59 | |
| 3 | 69 | via NYG |
| 4 | 106 | via WAS |
| 5 | 141 | via CLE |
| 5 | 167 | |
| 7 | 243 | via SF |
Houston Texans NFL Draft Needs
Defensive Tackle
The Texans’ defensive front is nasty, but could use some added depth on the interior. At 32 years of age, Sheldon Rankins is not getting any younger either. Thus, Houston will almost certainly prioritize adding youth at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft in an effort to maintain their success against the run from a year ago.
Interior Offensive Line
Although Houston traded away Tytus Howard, they acquired Braden Smith in free agency to re-fortify the right tackle spot. Thus, the primary point of need is the interior of the offensive line. The Texans also signed Wyatt Teller as a free agent this offseason, but this draft class offers an excellent opportunity to further address their blocking woes.
Defensive Back
The Texans already made a splash in the secondary during free agency with the addition of Reed Blankenship at safety. While the starting spot at every position is pretty well set, there’s plenty of room for Houston to fortify its depth across the defensive backfield.
Other Texans Draft Needs
- Running Back
- Linebacker
- Tight End
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Texans to approach the first round.
Texans Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Houston Texans mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Texans will select with the 28th overall pick?
No. 28 | Texans NFL Draft Pick
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State | ESPN & CBS
The common theme amongst Texans mock drafts is that the team will address the defensive tackle position in the first round. If Kayden McDonald is available, he would be an excellent addition. He was routinely in opposing offensive backfields during his college career.
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech | NFL Network
If the priority is a run-stopper, Lee Hunter fits the mold. His size and power enable him to clog gaps in the middle whether he is playing in an odd or even front. He has solid lateral mobility which will serve him well in the NFL.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida | FlurrySports
With a big body, long limbs and impressive strength, Caleb Banks is built to be a force in the trenches at the NFL level. His technique could use some coaching and refinement though, reinforcing the Texans as a solid landing spot given the defensive staff in place.
