Houston Texans NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

The Texans would love to go offensive line here, but they don't need to reach, especially with three Day 2 selections (two second-round picks, one third-rounder). A first-team All-ACC selection, Woods would bring young depth to what's already a dominant defensive line. Starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins turns 32 in April.

Woods might have the biggest range of the prospects we've discussed so far. His ardent believers feel he could go in the top 15, while skeptics don't see him as a first-round talent.

Woods is an explosive but undersized defensive tackle whose production left a lot to be desired with just 5.0 sacks in the past two seasons. The right scheme would allow him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields frequently. Houston has the best defense in the AFC, but it could use some youth at defensive tackle, where Sheldon Rankins is 31 years old.

After signing Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller in free agency, Houston's offensive line is in steadier shape. But both of those players will be in their 30s when the coming season begins. Miller is a battled-tested, athletic right tackle who would provide -- at the very least -- top tackle depth as a rookie.

One of the things I admire about the Texans' organization is their ability to maximize defensive players, regardless of any supposed limitations they might have. Louis is an unconventional-sized linebacker at 6 feet and 220 pounds, but he has incredible playmaking ability, coverage instincts and physicality that will travel to the NFL. Some teams will evaluate him as a strong safety, but no matter his listed position on the roster, he'll carve out an important role.

They need to get some young talent inside on defense. It might seem strange to do that here with other needs, but Banks has the talent -- if he can stay on the field -- to become a nice power player inside.

The Texans continue their upgrade of the offensive line with Miller. Yes, they signed veteran right tackle Braden Smith in free agency, but the former Indianapolis Colt has battled injury in recent years, and Miller gives the Texans the long-term answer at the position. At 6-7 and 317 pounds, he has great size. He is a four-year starter and has great durability. Paired with 2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery, who starts at left tackle, Houston now has its bookends of the future to help keep C.J. Stroud upright for years to come. — Mike Jones

General manager Nick Caserio loves his big school players. And Proctor is the literal biggest of big school players in this year's draft class. Yes, the Texans signed offensive tackle Braden Smith to a two-year deal, but Smith has missed time essentially every season of his career. Proctor would be gigantic at the position, but he could start his career at guard and provide depth at tackle before kicking out down the road. The Texans should keep addressing their offensive line, and while a guard or center option would be preferable, adding beef of some sort, even if there is not a clean path right away, should not stop the Texans from adding a talented player at offensive line.

They invested heavily in (Iowa State) receivers in last year's draft, but Houston still doesn't have a proven option behind WR1 Nico Collins. And a team that doesn't appear to have many glaring needs might decide Cooper, Mendoza's top target at IU — and one comfortable operating from the slot — might be too good to pass up.

There are a lot of similarly graded interior offensive linemen that I have in the second-round range. I have a feeling one of them is going climb into Round 1. In this case, Houston stays in state to add Bisontis.

Why would the Texans go defense? Yes, it's their strength, but they need to keep it their strength. Smart teams plan ahead. And having the chance to put a disruptive interior lineman between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is exciting. Miller is active and quick, and he keeps getting better. With opponents focused on stopping Anderson and Hunter, Miller could get pressure inside and make some plays in the backfield. He had 7.5 tackles for loss over the past two years.

Maybe the Texans would move up to get Lomu, but I think Iheanachor is talented enough to be a first-round pick. He also seems to be a riser in this draft process, so maybe he'll really solidify himself as a first-round pick soon, but it's clear that the Texans need some offensive help.