The Houston Texans are coming off their second consecutive 10-7 season and a tough playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. To take the next step and become a true Super Bowl contender, the team needs to strengthen its offensive line, which was one of the weakest in the NFL last season, while also adding young talent to the defensive line and secondary.
Houston Texans seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
While the Texans’ top draft need is expected to be their offensive line, they used their first-round pick to bolster the interior of their defensive front. Nolen, one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft, led all players at his position last season with 13 tackles for loss or no gain. Teaming up with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, he should form a formidable trio of pass rushers, giving the Texans a disruptive force on their defensive line.
Houston begins to address its offensive line in the second round of the draft and can’t believe their luck when Alabama’s Tyler Booker is still available. A fundamentally sound lineman, Booker led the Crimson Tide with 87 knockdown blocks last season and didn’t surrender a single sack. He’ll be an instant upgrade to a Texans offensive line that allowed 54 sacks last year, the third most in the NFL.
The Texans continue to bolster their offensive line in the third round by selecting Georgia’s Tate Ratledge, another standout SEC lineman. Ratledge projects as a physical run blocker with excellent burst off the ball and a relentless drive to finish his blocks. In addition to helping in the run game, he is an impressive pass protector, having allowed just two career sacks in college.
Texans add depth at key positions in 2025 NFL Draft
While the Houston Texans had a strong pass defense last season, allowing just 201 passing yards per game, adding depth at cornerback is a priority. With Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter as the only cornerbacks under contract next season, LSU’s Zy Alexander could be an ideal addition. Standing at 6-foot-2, Alexander is a big corner with surprisingly fluid hips for his size, making him a promising prospect to bolster the Texans' secondary.
The Texans would be smart to target the running back position on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, with Joe Mixon turning 29 next season and Dare Ogunbowale set to hit free agency. Despite a down year this season, Ollie Gordon II showcased his elite potential in 2023, rushing for 1,732 yards and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Houston enters the offseason with several questions at the wide receiver position, including whether Stefon Diggs will re-sign with the team and how Tank Dell will recover from his season-ending knee injury. With these uncertainties, the Texans are expected to add multiple wide receivers through both the draft and free agency. Nick Nash, who led the nation with 16 touchdown receptions, would be a great addition in the seventh round to bolster the receiving corps.