2026 NFL mock draft round-up: Way-too-early predictions for Texans
2026 NFL mock draft round-up: Way-too-early predictions for Texans Tackle, Tackle and more tackle help.
The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, where the Houston Texans welcomed nine new rookies to the roster.
Afrer moving back nine spots in the first round to pick No. 34, the Texans added a pair of playmakers in Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel with two of their top three picks. Houston also shored up the trenches with the second-round selection of Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. They also found some potential late-round gems with running back Woody Marks, defensive back Jaylen Reed, defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton and tight end Luke Lachey.
Houston is slated to hold its rookie minicamp on May 9, where fans will get a first glimpse at the newcomers before the offseason program kicks into high gear.
While the life of the mock draft world is over for now, that didn't stop several outlets from dropping their way-too-early 2026 mock drafts that surfaced after the 2025 draft. We rounded those up, where experts make their first picks for Texans, where, to no one's surprise, trench play remains a need for the back-to-back AFC South champions.
ESPN: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (21st overall)
ESPN's Jordan Reid: "The Texans have massively overturned their line after a disappointing 2024, and there's a good chance that overhaul will continue into 2026. I liked the Aireontae Ersery pick last week, but Houston has a lot of work to do in improving C.J. Stroud's protection. Mauigoa significantly improved at right tackle last season, not giving up a sack. The 6-6 315-pounder can control blockers at the point of attack. And while there is considerable debate among scouts about whether Mauigoa is a tackle or guard in the NFL, Houston needs a boost at both spots."
The Athletic: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (20th overall)
The Athletic's Dane Brugler: "The Clemson defensive coaches would line up the 315-pound Woods at defensive end last season to get the best four linemen on the field — and Woods didn't look out of place. He will move inside to defensive tackle in 2025 and is on a first-round trajectory."
CBS Sports: Elijah Pritchett OT, Nebraska (21st overall)
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards: "Houston identified its offensive line as a point of weakness and made changes this offseason. Those issues will likely continue into next year based on the current construction of the unit. Pritchett is an unfinished product that teams have been trying to get in the transfer portal from Alabama for the past two years."
Pro Football Focus: Jake Slaughter, OL, Florida (20th overall)
From PFF's Dalton Wasserman: "The best center in college football gets matched with the team most desperate for interior offensive line help. Slaughter ranked second in the Power Four with an 82.1 PFF overall grade, despite facing a gauntlet schedule that included Miami, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas and Ole Miss. He was the only qualified Power Four center who earned an 80.0-plus PFF grade as a run blocker and as a pass protector in 2024."
Bleacher Report: OG Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (17th overall)
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski: "Houston did select Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery in this year's second round. He could end up at left tackle or guard. Since Robinson won't be signed, left tackle should be considered the current projection. Meanwhile, Alabama's Jaeden Roberts can be added to guard next year and give the Texans a physical tone-setter along the offensive interior. He is a 6'5", 325-pound people-mover. He may not be as nasty as former Crimson Tide teammate Tyler Booker, but the redshirt senior knows how to finish blocks, too."
33rd Team: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (20th overall)
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "You can rest assured that DeMeco Ryans will ensure his defense has all the pressure players they need to keep the heat on."
Athlon Sports: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (18th overall)
Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling: "Joe Mixon will turn 30 before the start of the 2026 season, and the Texans could move on from his contract after 2025 with little dead money to worry about. If they're willing to invest first-round capital into his replacement, Love is a dynamic back with the athleticism and explosiveness to be worthy of a top-20 selection."
Pro Football Network: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (17th overall)
Pro Football Network's Jacob Infante: "Caleb Lomu is a smooth left tackle who only allowed two sacks on 425 pass-blocking snaps in 2024. His hand timing, balance, and range in pass protection make him a top tackle prospect, especially if he continues to bulk up."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Giants' Receiver Jalin Hyatt Sends Social Media Message at OTAs
Giants' Receiver Jalin Hyatt Sends Social Media Message at OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. New York Giants receiver Jalin Hyatt was drafted to open up the offense with his elite speed and knack for making big plays downfield. Through his own inconsistencies and poor quarterback play, he stumbled through his rookie season and face-plant in Year 2. Advertisement Subsequently, Hyatt is all but out of New York's long-term plans. Re-signing receiver Darius Slayton for three seasons maintains Hyatt's ceiling as the fourth receiver on this roster. As things stand, Hyatt is enduring a left-tailed outcome for a Day 2 pick, and if he struggles in 2025, it would be awfully difficult to save him a roster spot ahead of a contract year. Hyatt plans on changing the narrative on his career, and that starts at OTAs, where he has impressed with veteran Russell Wilson under center. The Giants' receiver sent a message to his critics in a now-deleted tweet. 'I hold grudges .. I ain't forget.' Advertisement Hyatt's 2024 season went about as poorly as a healthy campaign can go. He was at his best replacing Slayton for one game, but ultimately finished with just eight catches and 62 yards in 16 games. He is yet to find the end zone as a professional. Still, Hyatt possesses upside as a field stretcher, and that meshes well with Wilson, whose 'moon balls' have kept him potent past his prime. He spoke about his growing rapport with the receiving corps at OTAs. 'The time we spent in the offseason has paid off,' he told reporters. "The time that they've worked in their walkthroughs, all the way to how they've approached that to, obviously, our approach in practice. 'And the speed that they play with. You saw Slayton catch that bomb today, I threw it to him, and just his ability to make plays down the field. Advertisement 'Jalin, I'm really excited about him and what he's done so far.' Connecting with Wilson could earn Hyatt the playing time he needs to let his tools win. Head coach Brian Daboll consistently preached being aggressive ahead of the 2024 season, suggesting that he'll unleash Wilson now that he has a passer he can trust. Wilson is always positive, especially when praising his teammates. But that doesn't mean it's all smoke. Hyatt will have the opportunity to earn his quarterback's confidence and push for playing time this summer. So far, he's gotten off to a hot start. 'I think Jalin Hyatt, he's a guy that I really believe in.' Advertisement Related: One Reason Jalin Hyatt Can Break Out in Year 3 Related: NFC East Receiver Rankings: Giants Steady As Rivals Improve This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Are Commanders Right To Remain Unconcerned Over Terry McLaurin's Absence?
Are Commanders Right To Remain Unconcerned Over Terry McLaurin's Absence? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. No current player on the Washington Commanders deserved the success that last season brought more than wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Advertisement Since being a pick out of Ohio State in 2019, McLaurin has been able to excel despite having to team with some of the worst quarterbacks in the league throwing him the football. From Carson Wentz to Taylor Heinicke, the Commanders struggled to find a quality quarterback that could get McLaurin the ball. His production never wavered, though. Now, with Jayden Daniels as the star of the show in Washington's offense, McLaurin wants a new contract that pays him his worth as the team's top receiving threat. As a deal has not happened yet, the Ohio State product is choosing to sit out of voluntary workouts. Yet despite reports of a growing frustration on McLaurin's behalf, Daniels specifically is not overly concerned about the contract talks. Advertisement "Me and Terry have a good relationship outside of football,' Daniels said. "Obviously, he has to handle what he has to handle but that doesn't change anything, the fact that he is part of our brotherhood. We know Terry is working and everything. We have to get better and he knows he has to get better each and every day." Daniels's public support of McLaurin could help him as he looks for his new deal. Washington needs to make its top quarterback happy, and extending McLaurin is the best way to do that. McLaurin checking out is dramatic twist. But … A deal will eventually get done with both sides. It's why the organization isn't too worried about where contract talks are currently right now. Advertisement Related: Commanders Could Move On from 'Hail Mary Hero' in Trade Related: Commanders Trade Trey Hendrickson Would Mean Major Change in NFC East Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Commanders Speak Out On Improved Jayden Daniels
Commanders Speak Out On Improved Jayden Daniels originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is coming off one of the greatest rookie performances in NFL history. … Capped by how he got Washington to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in 30 years. Advertisement Where, if anywhere, can Daniels improve coming off a year like that? That is the question his offensive coaching staff will have to answer. Offensive coordinator and play-caller Kliff Kingsbury will be tasked with devising a gameplan that works best with his young quarterback's skill set. … While also preparing his for adjustments made by the rest of the league. Wirh the work Daniels has done, it's clear that the Commanders are thrilled with what they have seen from the former second overall pick. "Just watching him move around, he's not thinking as much; he's playing fast and letting his natural gifts kind of take over — and that's what we want to see," Kingsbury said. "So, I expect him to take a big jump." Advertisement A big jump? That's a major statement. One of the first tests for Washington this season will be to try and win the NFC East. That will force their rivals like Philadelphia and Dallas to play road playoff contests if it got to that point. The only way that happens, though, is if Daniels continues to impress as a top quarterback in the league. According to his play-caller, it seems like that is something Daniels is poised to continue to do. Related: Commanders Could Move On from 'Hail Mary Hero' in Trade Related: Commanders Trade Trey Hendrickson Would Mean Major Change in NFC East Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
