Houston Texans (Last Year: 10-7)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Texans lost three offensive linemen this offseason, including Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. They must bolster C.J. Stroud’s pass protection, and they also need to upgrade the weapons Stroud has with Stefon Diggs gone and Tank Dell injured. Other than that, it wouldn’t hurt if the Texans addressed the middle of their defense.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Texans had plans to upgrade their offensive line in the opening round, but with Tyler Booker and Donovan Jackson off the board, they traded out of Thursday night. While this frustrated some fans, it didn’t take very long for the Texans to excite them again. Houston addressed its troubled receiving corps with Jayden Higgins and then found a steal in the middle of the second round in Aireontae Ersery, who could emerge as a starting tackle during his rookie season.
The Texans found another receiver with their next pick, but then got off track after that. Houston began addressing positions that weren’t needs and didn’t even do so with amazing values. The team came away with just one offensive lineman in the entire class, which is a huge blunder.
I thought I was going to grade the Texans highly following their strong start. However, they made far too many irrelevant picks late on Friday and Saturday when upgrades on the offensive line were sorely needed.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
34. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State – B Grade
I worry about Jayden Higgins’ ability to separate. He ran a good 40 at his size, but I still have concerns. However, Jayden Higgins makes sense in the second round, and he potentially fills a huge need for the Texans, who lost two receivers to departure/injury.
48. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota – A+ Grade
The Texans did well to trade up for Aireontae Ersery, who was receiving some first-round buzz late in the pre-draft process. Ersery’s correct spot was likely the beginning of the second round, so this is a great bargain for the Texans. It obviously fills a need, given the severe issues the Texans have on their offensive line.
79. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State – B Grade
Jaylin Noel was very productive at Iowa State, but came with some size and speed concerns until he ran a very fast 40 at the combine. It makes sense to take him here, as he was pegged as a third-round prospect. Houston needs to continue adding receivers to its troubled group.
97. Jaylin Smith, CB, USC – C+ Grade
Jaylin Smith is a very versatile defensive back who can play any position in the secondary, but he’s raw and needs to get stronger for the NFL. I’m not sure the Texans needed to trade up for him.
116. Woody Marks, RB, USC – B- Grade
I’m not a fan of the Texans surrendering a third-round pick for next year to move up, but I like the prospect they chose at this spot. They needed a better backup behind Joe Mixon, and they potentially got one in Woody Marks, who is a good receiver out of the backfield.
187. Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State – B Grade
The Texans could have gone after greater positions of need with this pick. However, Jaylen Reed is arguably a somewhat decent value. It sounded like he had fifth-round consideration, though we had him going around this range.
197. Graham Mertz, QB, Florida – C- Grade
I didn’t have Graham Mertz being drafted. Mertz, coming off a torn ACL, seemed to be headed for UDFA. There were better quarterbacks available.
224. Kyonte Hamilton, DT, Rutgers – B Grade
Kyonte Hamilton got some buzz late in the draft process and seemed like he could sneak into the seventh round. It makes sense for the Texans to find some tackle depth here with him.
255. Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa – B Grade
Luke Lachey won’t be challenging Dalton Schultz for targets, as he is a blocking tight end. Lachey is a tough, physical blocker who should be able to keep C.J. Stroud upright.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
NFL Power Rankings - March 28
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
