Texans select OL and WR in ESPN's NFL mock draft

USA Today

18-04-2025

Texans select OL and WR in ESPN's NFL mock draft
ESPN's Field Yates has the Houston Texans adding two offensive elements to improve the production of Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud in his recent two-round NFL mock draft.
With their first selection in Yates' mock, the Texans land a surprise in Houston native and Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at pick No. 25.
"Houston would continue its offensive upheaval with the addition of Jackson, who just cracks my top 20 prospects. He was a stalwart for multiple seasons at guard for Ohio State before kicking out to left tackle in October when Josh Simmons went down with a knee injury," Yates wrote on ESPN.com. "Jackson immediately became comfortable in the position and was outstanding throughout the Buckeyes' national championship run. His best spot is still at guard, but he has invaluable positional flex to go along with power and toughness."
The position flexibility would help Houston collectively build an offensive line surrounding its five best players. Jackson, a Texas native, might be better suited at guard, but he held his own in 11 games at left tackle en route to the Buckeyes' first national championship in 10 years.
Should Jackson thrive in camp at right tackle, that would allow Tytus Howard to shift inside to left guard, thus shoring up the interior part of the offensive line. If former second-round pick Blake Fisher improves, Jackson should shift into one of the guard roles with Howard, allowing veteran Laken Tomlinson and former LSU star Ed Ingram to serve as upside backups.
In the second round of the mock, Houston lands Washington State receiver and All-Pac 12 honoree Kyle Williams at pick No. 58.
"Williams would bring juice to Houston's offense, considering he finished his college career on a TD heater, scoring nine over his final six games," Yates wrote. "Tank Dell's status for 2025 is uncertain (knee), Stefon Diggs is off to New England and newly acquired Christian Kirk is under contract for just one season."
Should Dell return in 2025, he'll be slow to regain that straight-line speed. Enter Williams, who in his final two seasons with the Cougars totaled over 130 receptions and 20 touchdowns while averaging 15.7 yards per catch.
The Texans have seven picks in the draft with four major needs, including interior offensive line, offensive tackle, wide receiver and defensive tackle depth.