Houston Texans Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Signing Cam Robinson gives Houston some insurance at left tackle after the Laremy Tunsil trade, and the addition of Trent Brown provides more bookend depth. But both veterans have missed time due to injury in the past and they're stop-gap solutions on one-year deals. Thus, the Texans select Ersery here to start this year or next. Protecting C.J. Stroud must be a long-term plan.

I like Tank Dell a lot, but he's a small player who has struggled to stay healthy. The Texans shouldn't rely on him. So without there being a no doubt offensive linemen on the board, they take Golden who just might slide right into Dell's role without any drop-off.

I mean, Laken Tomlinson or Ed Ingram can't be the plan, right? Zabel has played all over the offensive line and would give the Texans, or any offensive line, the ability to play their best five. Whether it's center or guard, he would give C.J. Stroud and the Texans' offense some steadiness.

Having shipped All-Pro left tackle Larmey Tunsil to the Washington Commanders earlier this month, the Texans need long-term help on the offensive line and Simmons gives them size (6-5, 310), athleticism and versatility, having played left and right tackle during his time at Ohio State. He is coming off of a season shortened by a torn ACL but is expected to quickly work his way into a starting role. — Mike Jones

Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list.

The Texans' stunning trade of star left tackle Laremy Tunsil further creates questions for an offensive line that struggled to protect CJ Stroud a year ago. With all sorts of moving parts up front, Houston would be wise to consider Zabel, a do-it-all blocker with experience all over the offensive line and one who erased any doubts about his level of competition by starring at both the Senior Bowl and Combine.

Walker would give the Texans a much-needed talent upgrade at the linebacker position.

Houston traded away Laremy Tunsil, causing a big hole on the offensive line. You've got to project quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's more of a typical pocket passer. Conerly is a perfect fit considering the need.

Even after giving up 54 sacks in 2024 (tied for third most), Houston traded away its best offensive lineman in left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That's why this pick is easy for me. Simmons has smooth movement traits, and he allowed one sack over 19 starts since shifting to left tackle before the 2023 season.

The only reason I don't have him coming off the board earlier is his knee injury. He went down in October and missed the rest of the season, and he hasn't yet worked out. But once he's healthy, he could step into that LT void and try to turn around the pass protection in Houston.

Josh Simmons comes with a big injury red flag, but beggars can't be choosers. His first half of the season before tearing his Patellar tendon was as good as anyone else's in the class.

The Texans have been busy this offseason overhauling their offensive line and reinforcing a shaken wide receiver room. The trade of Christian Kirk seems like a good bet to place, but given the team's proactive drafting of Blake Fisher last year at tackle, going with another wide receiver feels like the more impactful play for Houston. Egbuka is reunited here with his former quarterback.