NFL Draft Grades - Houston Texans
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Houston Texans Upcoming 2025 Draft Picks (7)
Round: 1 Pick: 25 | Overall: 25 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 2 Pick: 26 | Overall: 58 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 3 Pick: 15 | Overall: 79 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 3 Pick: 25 | Overall: 89 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 5 Pick: 28 | Overall: 166 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 7 Pick: 20 | Overall: 236 | Prospect:TBD
Round: 7 Pick: 25 | Overall: 241 | Prospect:TBD
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/23/2025 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Houston Texans: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
An ESPN reporter recently broke a Pulitzer-type news story where he said - get this - that the Texans will address receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft. Utterly shocking, I know. Perhaps the Texans will find their wideout here, as Tony Pauline reported that Emeka Egbuka will not make it past Houston. Emeka Egbuka was a big-time producer with C.J. Stroud during the '22 season. *** OTHER 2025 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Josh Conerly/Grey Zabel, OLs - Another spot for Zabel. The Texans almost certainly should have interest in him, given the offensive line issues. Conerly took a visit to Houston. 2. Tetairoa McMillan, WR - Given Houston's need for a receiver, this could be McMillan's floor. Pick change; previously Josh Conerly, OT
Round: 2
Houston Texans: Aiereontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
If the Texans pass on a tackle at No. 25, they almost have to draft one with this pick, given the loss of three blockers this offseason. Aiereontae Ersery is an explosive lineman, and he is a very physical blocker at the point of attack. Pick change; previously Nic Scourton, DE/DT
Round: 3
Houston Texans: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
The Texans need another receiver to go with the Christian Kirk free agency addition. Jack Bech has separation issues, but possesses nice size. He had a terrific Senior Bowl.
Round: 3
Houston Texans: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
The Texans want to find a speed back to play behind Joe Mixon. Jaydon Blue blazed a very fast 40 at his pro day.
Round: 5
Houston Texans: Miles Frazier, G, LSU
The Texans need to give C.J. Stroud all the protection he needs. Miles Frazier is a big guard who is coming off a solid season.
Round: 7
Houston Texans: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
The Texans are looking for running back depth behind Joe Mixon. Brashard Smith has good receiving ability, but needs to get stronger for the NFL.
Round: 7
Houston Texans: Allen Walker, LB, Jackson State
Here's some linebacker depth and special teams help for the Texans in the final round.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 42. (R:2 P:10) -
Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
B This is a solid pick by the Texans. Kamari Lassiter fills a need for the Texans, who suddenly have to worry about all the receiving talent being added to the AFC South. I had Lassiter going in my first round for a while before his stock fell a bit, but I projected him in the second frame.
B This is a solid pick by the Texans. Kamari Lassiter fills a need for the Texans, who suddenly have to worry about all the receiving talent being added to the AFC South. I had Lassiter going in my first round for a while before his stock fell a bit, but I projected him in the second frame.
2024
Pick 59. (R:2 P:27) -
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
B+ C.J. Stroud was under immense pressure against the Ravens in the playoffs. The Texans needed to improve their offensive line, and they're certainly doing that with Blake Fisher, who can provide a big upgrade at right tackle, while also moving Houston's current right tackle to guard.
B+ C.J. Stroud was under immense pressure against the Ravens in the playoffs. The Texans needed to improve their offensive line, and they're certainly doing that with Blake Fisher, who can provide a big upgrade at right tackle, while also moving Houston's current right tackle to guard.
2024
Pick 78. (R:3 P:14) -
Calen Bullock, S, USC
A- I really like this pick for the Texans. They needed to continue to add to their secondary with the improved passing attacks in the AFC South. Calen Bullock is a very instinctive player who makes splash plays, so he can play well right away.
A- I really like this pick for the Texans. They needed to continue to add to their secondary with the improved passing attacks in the AFC South. Calen Bullock is a very instinctive player who makes splash plays, so he can play well right away.
2024
Pick 123. (R:4 P:23) - Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
B- The Texans moved up four spots for a tight end. This doesn't address a need, but Cade Stover is a solid receiving tight end. His blocking is not very good, but he can be a weapon for C.J. Stroud, albeit at a crowded position.
B- The Texans moved up four spots for a tight end. This doesn't address a need, but Cade Stover is a solid receiving tight end. His blocking is not very good, but he can be a weapon for C.J. Stroud, albeit at a crowded position.
2024
Pick 188. (R:6 P:12) - Jamal Hill, S, Oregon
B Jamal Hill made a name for himself late in the pre-draft process with some positive visits and meetings. Hill projects as a special-teamer, which has become more important with the new kickoff rule.
B Jamal Hill made a name for himself late in the pre-draft process with some positive visits and meetings. Hill projects as a special-teamer, which has become more important with the new kickoff rule.
2024
Pick 189. (R:6 P:13) - Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
A The Lions will need to put lots of pressure on Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy in the playoffs, so finding players to do that is crucial. Mekhi Wingo is a small defensive lineman, but he can rush the passer in the interior. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2, so I love this value.
A The Lions will need to put lots of pressure on Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy in the playoffs, so finding players to do that is crucial. Mekhi Wingo is a small defensive lineman, but he can rush the passer in the interior. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into Day 2, so I love this value.
2024
Pick 238. (R:7 P:18) - Solomon Byrd, DE, USC
B+ Solomon Byrd is a bit undersized, so he won't be able to play too many snaps, but he could be a pass-rushing specialist. He could have gone a round earlier, so this is a nice value.
B+ Solomon Byrd is a bit undersized, so he won't be able to play too many snaps, but he could be a pass-rushing specialist. He could have gone a round earlier, so this is a nice value.
2024
Pick 247. (R:7 P:27) - Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
B Marcus Harris is the smaller of the two late-round Auburn defensive tackles. Marcus Harris was a productive pass-rusher at Auburn, but he has athletic and size limitations for the NFL. Still, a solid pick in the seventh.
B Marcus Harris is the smaller of the two late-round Auburn defensive tackles. Marcus Harris was a productive pass-rusher at Auburn, but he has athletic and size limitations for the NFL. Still, a solid pick in the seventh.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 2. (R:1 P:2) -
C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
A+ Stock down to everyone who derailed the projection for this pick, but bravo to the Texans for actually making the right move. It appeared as though Houston was going to be the laughing stock of the NFL for passing on a franchise quarterback and handing him to one of their divisional rivals, but that's apparently not the case. The Texans stole C.J. Stroud away from either the Colts or Titans.
A+ Stock down to everyone who derailed the projection for this pick, but bravo to the Texans for actually making the right move. It appeared as though Houston was going to be the laughing stock of the NFL for passing on a franchise quarterback and handing him to one of their divisional rivals, but that's apparently not the case. The Texans stole C.J. Stroud away from either the Colts or Titans.
2023
Pick 12. (R:1 P:12) -
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
A- I think the Lions could have gotten Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 18, but you never know. Thus, I don't hate this value, especially because Detroit moved down in the first place. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, so Gibbs will help the Lions win the Super Bowl. Yes, the Super Bowl. Unlike the Falcons, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, so I really like this selection.
A- I think the Lions could have gotten Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 18, but you never know. Thus, I don't hate this value, especially because Detroit moved down in the first place. Gibbs has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, so Gibbs will help the Lions win the Super Bowl. Yes, the Super Bowl. Unlike the Falcons, the Lions are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, so I really like this selection.
2023
Pick 33. (R:2 P:2) -
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
B The Titans caught a falling quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so they'll be hoping that this signal-caller pick is more successful. It'll be difficult for Levis to be worse than Willis, but he has an extremely low floor. Levis has major flaws in his game and couldn't beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State. Some believe Levis fell, but I had him at this very pick in my mock draft, so I don't think this is a value selection. It's fine though.
B The Titans caught a falling quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so they'll be hoping that this signal-caller pick is more successful. It'll be difficult for Levis to be worse than Willis, but he has an extremely low floor. Levis has major flaws in his game and couldn't beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State. Some believe Levis fell, but I had him at this very pick in my mock draft, so I don't think this is a value selection. It's fine though.
2023
Pick 65. (R:3 P:2) -
Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama
A+ Not a Georgia player, but a great selection nonetheless. Tyler Steen is a talented, versatile blocker who can play tackle and guard. I had him in the early second round, so I love this value. Steen will be able to replace Isaac Seumalo right away.
A+ Not a Georgia player, but a great selection nonetheless. Tyler Steen is a talented, versatile blocker who can play tackle and guard. I had him in the early second round, so I love this value. Steen will be able to replace Isaac Seumalo right away.
2023
Pick 73. (R:3 P:10) -
Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
A+ I can't wait to hear from Charlie Campbell about why Jalin Hyatt fell so far. Hyatt is a somewhat poor man's DeVonta Smith, so he should have gone much earlier than this. I wouldn't have hated it had he been chosen late in the opening round. Hyatt is going to fill a huge need.
A+ I can't wait to hear from Charlie Campbell about why Jalin Hyatt fell so far. Hyatt is a somewhat poor man's DeVonta Smith, so he should have gone much earlier than this. I wouldn't have hated it had he been chosen late in the opening round. Hyatt is going to fill a huge need.
2023
Pick 104. (R:4 P:2) - Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland
B- The Raiders obviously needed a cornerback and could have taken Christian Gonzalez at No. 7 overall. Jakorian Bennett was a steady corner at Maryland, but might be limited to slot duties in the NFL. I think the Raiders could have gotten a better corner, but this pick is OK.
B- The Raiders obviously needed a cornerback and could have taken Christian Gonzalez at No. 7 overall. Jakorian Bennett was a steady corner at Maryland, but might be limited to slot duties in the NFL. I think the Raiders could have gotten a better corner, but this pick is OK.
2023
Pick 161. (R:5 P:26) - Nick Hampton, LB, Appalachian State
B+ Nick Hampton is a versatile linebacker I had in the fourth round. The Rams needed a linebacker after losing Bobby Wagner, so perhaps Hampton can challenge for playing time right away.
B+ Nick Hampton is a versatile linebacker I had in the fourth round. The Rams needed a linebacker after losing Bobby Wagner, so perhaps Hampton can challenge for playing time right away.
2023
Pick 179. (R:6 P:2) - Karl Brooks, DT, Bowling Green
C+ Karl Brooks was very productive at Bowling Green as an interior pass rusher, but he's not a very good athlete so the upside is limited. He can also get run over in the ground game. There's some potential, but I thought Brooks would be a UDFA.
C+ Karl Brooks was very productive at Bowling Green as an interior pass rusher, but he's not a very good athlete so the upside is limited. He can also get run over in the ground game. There's some potential, but I thought Brooks would be a UDFA.
2023
Pick 188. (R:6 P:11) -
Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
A Tanner McKee should have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this, as he has a strong arm and some upside. The Eagles wanted to find a quarterback to develop as a No. 2. This is another great pick from Howie Roseman.
A Tanner McKee should have been drafted a couple of rounds earlier than this, as he has a strong arm and some upside. The Eagles wanted to find a quarterback to develop as a No. 2. This is another great pick from Howie Roseman.
2023
Pick 201. (R:6 P:24) -
Jarrett Patterson, C, Notre Dame
A+ I had Jarrett Patterson in the third round, as he never surrendered a sack during his collegiate career. I don't understand why he fell so far, but the Texans will benefit from the drop by filling a position of need.
A+ I had Jarrett Patterson in the third round, as he never surrendered a sack during his collegiate career. I don't understand why he fell so far, but the Texans will benefit from the drop by filling a position of need.
2023
Pick 203. (R:6 P:26) - Amari Burney, ILB, Florida
A The Raiders have had issues at linebacker for a long time, so perhaps Amari Burney will be able to help. Burney is an excellent coverage linebacker, so I thought he should have gone a couple of rounds earlier than this.
A The Raiders have had issues at linebacker for a long time, so perhaps Amari Burney will be able to help. Burney is an excellent coverage linebacker, so I thought he should have gone a couple of rounds earlier than this.
2023
Pick 259. (R:7 P:42) - Desjuan Johnson, DE, Toledo
B Desjuan Johnson is an explosive player, but he's undersized and lacks length. There's not much room for growth here from this year's Mr. Irrelevant.
B Desjuan Johnson is an explosive player, but he's undersized and lacks length. There's not much room for growth here from this year's Mr. Irrelevant.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 3. (R:1 P:3) -
Derek Stingley, CB, LSU
B+ Grade
I'm surprised the Texans are drafting a cornerback this early because the Buccaneers and Bears never drafted cornerbacks early when Lovie Smith was coaching them. Cornerbacks never call for a premium draft pick in Smith's system. However, I can understand why the Texans wouldn't pass on Stingley. He's an amazing cornerback who looked like a generational player in his first season at LSU. He has been injured since, so there's some major risk here, but the upside is through the roof. Though I didn't have this pick in my mock draft, I certainly won't criticize it because I think it's a good selection.
B+ Grade
I'm surprised the Texans are drafting a cornerback this early because the Buccaneers and Bears never drafted cornerbacks early when Lovie Smith was coaching them. Cornerbacks never call for a premium draft pick in Smith's system. However, I can understand why the Texans wouldn't pass on Stingley. He's an amazing cornerback who looked like a generational player in his first season at LSU. He has been injured since, so there's some major risk here, but the upside is through the roof. Though I didn't have this pick in my mock draft, I certainly won't criticize it because I think it's a good selection.
2022
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) -
Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M
D Grade
At least the Texans moved back. This is pretty bad though. Kenyon Green is a guard who should have gone in the 24-40 range, so this is a reach. I wonder if the Texans don't already regret not picking a tackle at three and then a cornerback like Trent McDuffie at No. 18. As usual, the Texans have no idea what they are doing.
D Grade
At least the Texans moved back. This is pretty bad though. Kenyon Green is a guard who should have gone in the 24-40 range, so this is a reach. I wonder if the Texans don't already regret not picking a tackle at three and then a cornerback like Trent McDuffie at No. 18. As usual, the Texans have no idea what they are doing.
2022
Pick 37. (R:2 P:5) -
Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
B- Grade
The Texans addressed the secondary yet again, which isn't a surprise because they had such a need in that area. Jalen Pitre is a solid pick here, as I thought he would possibly go in the middle of the second frame. He had a solid combine, and that really helped his draft stock.
B- Grade
The Texans addressed the secondary yet again, which isn't a surprise because they had such a need in that area. Jalen Pitre is a solid pick here, as I thought he would possibly go in the middle of the second frame. He had a solid combine, and that really helped his draft stock.
2022
Pick 44. (R:2 P:12) -
John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
D Grade
I like John Metchie just fine, but he should have gone about a round later than this. He's an injured receiver, yet didn't drop at all for some reason because this may have been his natural range. I don't know why the Texans traded up for him with some talented receivers still on the board. It's a typical Houston maneuver to not understand draft value at all.
D Grade
I like John Metchie just fine, but he should have gone about a round later than this. He's an injured receiver, yet didn't drop at all for some reason because this may have been his natural range. I don't know why the Texans traded up for him with some talented receivers still on the board. It's a typical Houston maneuver to not understand draft value at all.
2022
Pick 75. (R:3 P:11) -
Christian Harris, OLB, Alabama
A- Grade
I could tell you that the Texans needed linebacker help, but the Texans need help everywhere. Their roster is barren, so just adding the best player available at every spot made sense. Christian Harris could qualify if Nakobe Dean is ignored. Harris is someone I've mocked in the second round, so I like this value.
A- Grade
I could tell you that the Texans needed linebacker help, but the Texans need help everywhere. Their roster is barren, so just adding the best player available at every spot made sense. Christian Harris could qualify if Nakobe Dean is ignored. Harris is someone I've mocked in the second round, so I like this value.
2022
Pick 107. (R:4 P:2) -
Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida
A- Grade
The Texans needed a running back, and the Jets stole Breece Hall from them in the second round. Dameon Pierce, a tough runner, is a nice consolation prize here in the fourth round. I thought he'd go a round earlier, so I like this pick.
A- Grade
The Texans needed a running back, and the Jets stole Breece Hall from them in the second round. Dameon Pierce, a tough runner, is a nice consolation prize here in the fourth round. I thought he'd go a round earlier, so I like this pick.
2022
Pick 150. (R:5 P:7) - Thomas Booker, DT, Stanford
B+ Grade
This is a solid pick, as I had Thomas Booker in this area. Booker is a versatile defensive lineman who can play in any scheme. The Texans needed help up front, but then again, they need help everywhere.
B+ Grade
This is a solid pick, as I had Thomas Booker in this area. Booker is a versatile defensive lineman who can play in any scheme. The Texans needed help up front, but then again, they need help everywhere.
2022
Pick 166. (R:5 P:23) - Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo
A- Grade
It's no surprise that Tycen Anderson is the pick here for the Bengals, given that they were dead set on upgrading their secondary entering the 2022 NFL Draft. I had Tycen Anderson in the fourth round of my re-draft, so he could have been chosen earlier than this.
A- Grade
It's no surprise that Tycen Anderson is the pick here for the Bengals, given that they were dead set on upgrading their secondary entering the 2022 NFL Draft. I had Tycen Anderson in the fourth round of my re-draft, so he could have been chosen earlier than this.
2022 Houston Texans - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 206. (R:6 P:27) - Matt Henningsen, DE, Wisconsin
B Grade
Matt Henningsen never made it into my mock draft, but perhaps he should have after he posted some terrific numbers at his pro day. I like the Broncos taking a chance on such an athletic player late in the draft. Defensive line depth needed to be addressed.
B Grade
Matt Henningsen never made it into my mock draft, but perhaps he should have after he posted some terrific numbers at his pro day. I like the Broncos taking a chance on such an athletic player late in the draft. Defensive line depth needed to be addressed.
2022 Houston Texans - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 246. (R:7 P:25) - Dawson Deaton, C, Texas Tech
B+ Grade
I mocked Dawson Deaton at 250 rather than 246, but I like this pick for the Browns because they really needed insurance at center. They lost J.C. Tretter, so they needed someone to compete with Nick Harris for the job.
B+ Grade
I mocked Dawson Deaton at 250 rather than 246, but I like this pick for the Browns because they really needed insurance at center. They lost J.C. Tretter, so they needed someone to compete with Nick Harris for the job.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 67. (R:3 P:3) -
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
C- Grade
Imagine going from Deshaun Watson to Davis Mills. Yuck. Davis Mills is as mediocre as they come in regard to arm strength and accuracy, and he lacks experience. He's not ready to play right away, so the Texans will have to start Tyrod Taylor in 2021. There's legitimate 0-17 potential for the Texans, so they should've just waited for a quarterback atop the 2022 NFL Draft (go here for my 2022 NFL Mock Draft.)
C- Grade
Imagine going from Deshaun Watson to Davis Mills. Yuck. Davis Mills is as mediocre as they come in regard to arm strength and accuracy, and he lacks experience. He's not ready to play right away, so the Texans will have to start Tyrod Taylor in 2021. There's legitimate 0-17 potential for the Texans, so they should've just waited for a quarterback atop the 2022 NFL Draft (go here for my 2022 NFL Mock Draft.)
2021
Pick 109. (R:4 P:4) - Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville
C- Grade
I wouldn't have minded if the Titans drafted Dez Fitzpatrick with their natural pick in the fourth round, but I don't get why they moved up for him. There are several quality receivers still remaining, and I don't think Fitzpatrick stood out from the rest of them. Fitzpatrick was great in the Senior Bowl, but I don't think that warranted this sort of move, even if it fills the void that Corey Davis' departure created.
C- Grade
I wouldn't have minded if the Titans drafted Dez Fitzpatrick with their natural pick in the fourth round, but I don't get why they moved up for him. There are several quality receivers still remaining, and I don't think Fitzpatrick stood out from the rest of them. Fitzpatrick was great in the Senior Bowl, but I don't think that warranted this sort of move, even if it fills the void that Corey Davis' departure created.
2021
Pick 147. (R:5 P:3) -
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
A+ Grade
I can't believe the Texans made a great pick! Brevin Jordan is someone I consistently slotted in the second or third round, so this is tremendous value. Jordan isn't the best athlete, but he'll likely be a better player than Jordan Akins, who can't stop dropping passes.
A+ Grade
I can't believe the Texans made a great pick! Brevin Jordan is someone I consistently slotted in the second or third round, so this is tremendous value. Jordan isn't the best athlete, but he'll likely be a better player than Jordan Akins, who can't stop dropping passes.
2021
Pick 158. (R:5 P:14) -
Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
A+ Grade
I was wondering when Daviyon Nixon would come off the board. I had him slotted in the third round, so this value is incredible. Daviyon Nixon is a good athlete who can generate pressure and also help stuff the run. This is a great pick.
A+ Grade
I was wondering when Daviyon Nixon would come off the board. I had him slotted in the third round, so this value is incredible. Daviyon Nixon is a good athlete who can generate pressure and also help stuff the run. This is a great pick.
2021 Houston Texans - Prospect:TBD
2021 Houston Texans - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 212. (R:6 P:28) - Damar Hamlin, S, Pittsburgh
B Grade
With Patrick Mahomes standing in the way of winning a Super Bowl, the Bills had to find as many talented defensive backs as possible. Damar Hamlin is someone I've had going in this range, so he's a fine pick as someone who can provide quality depth at safety.
B Grade
With Patrick Mahomes standing in the way of winning a Super Bowl, the Bills had to find as many talented defensive backs as possible. Damar Hamlin is someone I've had going in this range, so he's a fine pick as someone who can provide quality depth at safety.
2021
Pick 233. (R:7 P:5) - Jake Funk, , Maryland
B Grade
The Rams lost Malcolm Brown, so the Rams wanted to add a third running back to join Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. I mocked Jake Funk in the seventh round, so this makes sense.
B Grade
The Rams lost Malcolm Brown, so the Rams wanted to add a third running back to join Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. I mocked Jake Funk in the seventh round, so this makes sense.