2025 NFL mock draft: Texans land All-Big Ten offensive lineman at No. 25
2025 NFL mock draft: Texans land All-Big Ten offensive lineman at No. 25
The Houston Texans have some important needs to address this offseason, including in the trenches on both sides of the ball. While addressing the defensive tackle position could be considered a priority, it might be a secondary option behind finding stability in protecting C.J. Stroud.
The Texans must add two new offensive linemen in some capacity this offseason. A bigger question is what to do with the right tackle position. Tytus Howard is back, but a shift inside to guard seems inevitable after last season. Second-round pick Blake Fisher was inconsistent during his rookie season, but there's at least potential for him to improve following the promotion of Cole Popovich to offensive line coach.
Even if Houston were to land someone in free agency, finding a long-term answer in the draft feels like a no-brainer. In the latest post-NFL Scouting Combine mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Texans stand pat at No. 25 and take Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons as a potential replacement for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
"Simmons would go much higher in this mock draft if he weren't rehabbing from major knee surgery," PFF's Trevor Sikkema wrote. "But according to him, rehab is going great — so great that he might even have a personal pro day before the draft. That is huge news, as he looked like one of the top players in this class before getting hurt. The Texans need interior offensive line help, but they could take the top talent in Simmons to play opposite Laremy Tunsil and move Blake Fisher inside. Don't force needs; pick good players."
Sikkema is right that Houston shouldn't force a pick by overdrafting a player not worth taking. The only concern would be shifting Fisher inside to guard. The 6-foot-7 offensive tackle has never seen reps on the inside and usually moves like this can negatively affect his career, thus making the pick a wash down the line.
Simmons could eventually replace Tunsil, who could opt-out of his contract next offseason, but it provides stability for a line that gave up the second-most sacks in 2024. Much like Tunsil's career, the former Buckeyes star could shift inside for a season while learning how to become a top-tier pass-protector ahead for a crucial 2026 season.
If the top receivers are gone, plus Alabama's Tyler Booker is off the board, Simmons is sitting there at No. 25 might be the top consolation prize.
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