Houston Texans 3-Round 2027 NFL Mock Draft: No. 1 pick could change everything for C.J. Stroud

Going into the 2026 season, expectations were high for the Houston Texans, who were viewed as a dark horse Super Bowl contender. However, things have not gone well for the team through the first quarter of the season, as they sit at 0-4 and currently hold the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

On the positive side, if they end up drafting this high, they could have a chance to finally surround C.J. Stroud with the explosive weapons he needs to succeed.

In this three-round Houston Texans 2027 NFL Mock Draft, we look at how the team could improve its offense while addressing another major need on defense.

How the Houston Texans can build around C.J. Stroud in the 2027 NFL Draft

Round 1, Pick 1: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

I was tempted to go with a quarterback with the first overall pick, but I don’t think the Texans are ready to move on from C.J. Stroud. Plus, I don’t think there is a sure-bet quarterback worth the top overall pick.

Arch Manning has been incredibly inconsistent, Dante Moore has had too much trouble reading defenses and is now dealing with concussion issues, while Trinidad Chambliss may be too small to justify the No. 1 overall pick.

Instead, look for the Texans to try to surround Stroud with a better supporting cast. That starts with taking the top player in the 2027 NFL Draft in Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Smith, who is Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving touchdowns, is the big, physical type of wide receiver Stroud desperately needs and would give Houston a true No. 1 target to build its passing game around.

Rather than starting over at quarterback, Houston would be giving Stroud the type of playmaker who could help him get back to the level he showed earlier in his career.

Round 2, Pick 37: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

Houston continues its rebuild of the offensive side of the ball, this time taking an offensive lineman in Carter Smith.

The Texans' current starting left tackle, Aireontae Ersery, has already given up 13 pressures this season and is the 52nd-rated offensive tackle in the NFL, according to PFF. The Texans also have one of the worst run-blocking units in the NFL, currently ranking 27th in the league.

Indiana’s Carter Smith is coming off a dominant 2025 season that saw him win the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award and earn a 93.9 PFF pass-blocking grade, which ranked second among FBS offensive tackles.

He is the physical, smart and tough type of offensive lineman the Texans need on their offensive line and could give Houston a potential long-term answer at left tackle.

Adding Smith would give Houston another important piece in its effort to protect Stroud and establish a more consistent running game.

Round 3 pick 68: Damon Wilson II, DE, Miami

Going into the season, expectations were sky high for the Texans' defense, but so far they have fallen far short of those expectations.

Going into this weekend's action, they rank 26th in points allowed per game, giving up 27.3, and have had trouble consistently getting to the quarterback, as their pass-rush win rate ranks near the bottom of the NFL.

One player they could draft to help address these issues on the defensive side of the ball is Miami's Damon Wilson II.

Wilson, who has 12.5 sacks over the last year and a half, including 2.5 last week against Clemson, is a player who could give the Texans another pass-rush threat.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Wilson tends to win with his speed off the ball, which is something the Texans could stand to add to their defensive line.

With Wilson providing another pass-rush option, Houston could strengthen a defense that has struggled to live up to expectations this season.

Overall, the Texans' biggest priority in the 2027 NFL Draft should be giving C.J. Stroud a better supporting cast. Adding Jeremiah Smith would give him a true No. 1 wide receiver, while Carter Smith could help improve an offensive line that has struggled this season. On defense, Damon Wilson II would give Houston another pass-rush threat. If the Texans can address these needs, they could put themselves in a much better position to compete in 2027.

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