Houston Texans Seven-Round Mock Draft

It’s been over one month since the inaugural Houston Texans Mock Draft for the 2026 class, and things are starting to shape up around the league. The Texans are jockeying for position in the AFC playoff race. Meanwhile, The Washington Commanders, who the Texans have their 2nd and 4th round picks, have fallen to a 4-12 record.

In this mock, Houston goes a different direction than offensive line with its first pick. Why? We all need to come to terms with the fact that Nick Caserio doesn’t enjoy going OL with the first pick. 

2025: Higgins (WR), then Ersery (OT)

2024: Lassiter (CB), then Fisher (OT)

2023: Stroud (QB), Anderson (DE), then Scruggs (OG)

2022: Stingley (CB), then Green (OG)

While I think the other safety position is more of a need than DT, this would be a huge add. Caserio has neglected DT youth and opted for vets.

This four-round mock draft comes after Houston’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offensive line looked much improved, but still could use serious investment.

Biggest needs: OT, OG, S, DT, RB, TE

Round 1, Pick 22: Kayden McDonald. DT – Ohio State

Analysis: In this mock, both offensive line prospects Vega Ioane from Penn State and Miami’s Francis Mauioga went just before Houston’s pick. Instead, they fill a growing need up front on defense as they have FIVE DTs on injured reserve.

McDonald has started one year and played another in a rotational role for Ohio State. While McDonald doesn’t provide much in the pass rush game, he’s arguably the best run stopper in the 2026 class. The 6’3”, 326 pound stud has brought a level of consistency to the Buckeye’s front line and is NFL-ready from a technique aspect. With the turnover and injuries abound in Houston, McDonald would provide be the biggest, long-term addition to the DT group in year.

Round 2, Pick 39: Austin Siereveld, OT/G – Ohio State

Analysis: While Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon another option, Austin Siereveld is the right choice. His versatility and experience playing left guard, left tackle, and right guard lends itself well to the reviving door that is Houston’s offensive line. Siereveld has near identical pass blocking and run blocking grades on PFF and competes with a mean streak that Houston desperately needs on its front line. While Houston could start Siereveld at multiple positions, the most urgent role to fill is right guard… where he’s played the least.

Round 2, Pick 54: Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon

Analysis: The Big 10 run continues as Houston bolsters their defense. The Texans desperately need another safety after releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and losing Jaylen Reed, M.J. Stewart, and Jaylin Smith to injury. Thieneman isn’t only an aggressive, instinctive, and downhill safety, he is a perfect compliment to Calen Bullock. Thieneman had an absurd game against JMU in the first round of the playoffs with seven tackles, a pass defended, and a tackle for loss. Adding another elite safety to the group brings another young, talented tackler in the secondary.

Round 3, Pick 65: Jadarian Price, RB – Notre Dame

Analysis: The steal of this draft class, Price is a revelation ready to happen to the NFL. While he’s the backup option to Julian Love at Notre Dame, Price has workhorse back written all over him. He will immediately compete for the RB1 role and help relieve the Texans of Joe Mixon and his injuries.

Price is shifty and decisive in the hole. His style is patient, then hits with a fervor NFL teams will covet. A strong fit for the Texans offense, Price can also catch passes out of the backfield and return kicks. Plus, he enters the NFL fresh as the backup behind Jeremiyah Love.

Round 4, Pick 106: Josh Cuevas, TE – Alabama

Analysis: Cuevas has dealt with a string of foot and leg injuries his senior year at Alabama, but when he’s healthy, he was the focal point of an impressive Bama offense. Cuevas plays on the offensive line as much as he’s split out wide, which is exactly what the Texans need in a tight end.

While he has a ways to go as an in-line blocker, Cuevas would bring another X-factor to the tight end room and eventual replacement for Dalton Schultz once he ages out of his contract. Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan are too-often injured or ineffective in the offense and could use some competition. Watch for him in the second round of the College Football Playoff to get open over the middle of the field and demand attention from a strong Indiana secondary.

Round 4, Pick 118: Anto Saka, DE – Northwestern

Analysis: More defense? Yes. A defensive end? Yes. From Northwestern??? Absolutely.

Saka is as raw as they get but has undeniable upside. A team like Houston could stash Saka, develop him in their system, and have him ready to take over for 31 year-old Danielle Hunter. Until then, he can rotate in on special teams and contribute on third down pass rush situations. If he can take that 6’4 frame and convert it to a run-stopping force, he’ll be an immediate contributor on the defense. My comparison is Josh Uche.

Round 5, Pick 162: Kyle Louis, LB – Pittsburgh

Analysis: Two-year starter at Pitt with seven sacks last season, Louis moved to a linebacker role his junior year where he racked up over 80 tackles. Louis has a strong coverage and pass rush background, making him a versatile prospect in DeMeco Ryans’ system. He made two interceptions this season and was a second-team All American his sophomore year. His junior season wasn’t as productive as that sophomore year, and if Houston can find what worked last season can turn Louis into another LB gem.

Round 7, Pick 236: Dametrious Crownover, OT – Texas A&M

Analysis: Houstonwaits until the last pick to address the tackle position and look for a fairly well-known prospect in Crownover. Three years of starting at right tackle for the Aggies, he is a tenacious run-grating tackle who lead their offense for multiple seasons. It will be interesting to see if he can retool some of the compensations he’s put into place as a blocker, but his size and experience could be a salve for the Texans looking for any solution at the tackle position. Crownover decided to join the Senior Bowl and could use a strong showing to illustrate his pass protection, which could use serious cleaning up.