Houston Texans Rookie Forecast 2025

Texans Rookie Forecast 2025

Solid Starter

Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State – Round 2

The Texans have been hoping for a steady No. 2 receiver to emerge across from Nico Collins, and made it their top priority when they selected Higgins with the 34th overall pick in the draft. Houston had hoped for receivers like Stefon Diggs and John Metchie to become that consistent No. 2, but neither one emerged as that steady secondary wideout. Higgins definitely has that potential.

For the NFL, the 6-foot-4, 219-pound Higgins is a tall, long receiver who is a red-zone weapon and provides a size mismatch for the NFL. He is a dangerous red-zone threat given his massive wingspan, height, leaping ability, and strong hands. Higgins is a possession receiver who is dangerous after the catch, as he will dart into the secondary and power his way through defensive backs after making short catches on slants, crossers, and digs. On back shoulder throws or jump balls, Higgins is very skilled at boxing out defenders and making the catch over them. On 50-50 jump balls, Higgins is a dynamic playmaker.

While Higgins timed fast at the NFL Scouting Combine, he is not a burner wide receiver who is going to torch NFL cornerbacks with speed. Higgins lacks a second gear and has one play speed through his routes. He is a long strider who lacks twitchy quickness. Thus, he could have separation issues from pro cornerbacks. However, with Nico Collins drawing No. 1 corners, I think Higgins could be a solid No. 2 on the other side of the field.

The separation issues might prevent Higgins from becoming an elite No. 1 receiver, and the Texans have a crowded depth chart. It may take some time for Higgins to earn reps. Along with Collins, Houston will surely feature slot receiver Tank Dell and former Jaguar Christian Kirk. However, after some time to develop, Higgins should become a solid starter for Houston.

2024: Calen Bullock, S
2023: Will Anderson, OLB
2022: Kenyon Green, G
2021: Brevin Jordan, TE
2020: Ross Blacklock, DT
2019: Max Scharping, OT
2018: Martinas Rankin, OT
2017: Zach Cunningham, LB
2016: Nick Martin, C
2015: Bernardrick McKinney, LB
2014: Louis Nix, DT
2013: DeAndre Hopkins, WR

Most Likely To Bust

Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State – Round 3

The Texans added the Cyclones receiver tandem when they drafted Noel in the third round. Noel is a smaller slot receiver with quickness and shifty route-running. While Noel was a good player in college, I think he could have a hard time getting reps over Tank Dell and Christian Kirk. Both of those slot receivers have proven to be dangerous receivers in the NFL, and Dell has excellent chemistry with C.J. Stroud. Of the Texans’ early-round picks, I think Noel is most likely one not to pan out.

2024: Blake Fisher, OT
2023: Nathaniel Dell, WR
2022: Jalen Pitre, S
2021: Davis Mills, QB
2020: Charlie Heck, OT
2019: Lonnie Johnson, CB
2018: Keke Coutee, WR
2017: Julie’n Davenport, OT
2016: Braxton Miller, WR
2015: Jaelen Strong, WR
2014: Xavier Su’a-Filo, G
2013: Sam Montgomery, DE

Potential Boom Pick

Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota – Round 2

The 2025 NFL offseason was anticlimactic in free agency and the draft, but the Texans did execute one of the surprising moves when they traded franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington. Houston got out of the big contract and sold Tunsil before he lost value. The move still left a large hole at left tackle to protect the blind side of C.J. Stroud. The Texans surprised again when they traded out of the first round, passing on their chance to draft tackles like Josh Simmons or Josh Conerly. Houston was targeting Ersery and snatched him up in the second round.

As a pass blocker, Ersery (6-6, 331) has a lot of unique qualities. Despite being such a large offensive lineman, he has quickness and movement ability to match up against speed rushers. His strength and length allow him to sustain blocks well to keep edge defenders from turning the corner. With his weight and strength, Ersery is able to anchor and hold up against bull rushes. Ersery has problems with recovering once beaten. His footwork and knee bend are not consistent, and that leads to him giving up some pressures.

As a run blocker, Ersery gets after defenders with a strong jolt at the point of attack. He has heavy hands, and defenders are in trouble when he latches onto them. There are times when you would see Ersery knock defenders off the ball and open up gaps for his back. He can generate movement in the ground game to supply some excellent lanes for his backs. Aside from being able to play power man, Ersery is quick to the second level and packs a punch when he gets there.

The Texans have a great talent in Ersery, but he needs development. If he plays up to his potential, he could be a boom pick for Houston and a massive steal in the second round.

2024: Kamari Lassiter, CB
2023: C.J. Stroud, QB
2022: Derek Stingley, CB
2021: None
2020: Jon Greenard, DE
2019: Tytus Howard, OT
2018: Justin Reid, S
2017: Deshaun Watson, QB
2016: Will Fuller, WR
2015: Kevin Johnson, CB
2014: Jadeveon Clowney, DE
2013: D.J. Swearinger, S

Future Depth Player

Woody Marks, RB, USC – Round 4

The Texans added some nice depth players on day three of the draft, with the headliner being Marks. He is a dangerous receiver and showed improved strength as a runner in 2024 while performing well at the Senior Bowl. Marks could be a good rotational back to help keep Joe Mixon fresh, and it would not be a surprise to this analyst if Marks proves to be a fourth-round steal. At the very least, he could be a solid No. 2 to pair with Mixon, and in time, Marks might prove to be the heir apparent to the veteran back.

2024: Cade Stover, TE
2023: Henry To’oTo’o, LB
2022: Dameon Pierce, RB
2021: Nico Collins, WR
2020: Isaiah Coulter, WR
2019: Kahale Warring, TE
2018: Jordan Aikens, TE
2017: Carlos Watkins, DT
2016: Tyler Ervin, RB
2015: Reshard Cliet, LB
2014: Andre Hal, S
2013: David Quessenberry, OL