Houston Texans’ biggest 2025 NFL Draft needs, ranked

The Houston Texans were seen as a sneaky Super Bowl contender going into the season, but ended it bottoming out in the same way that they did in 2023. While the core of their roster is set, they have major holes up front that need to be fixed, as well as depth issues that could use some more youth and talent. Where should the Texans’ top priorities lie in the 2025 NFL Draft? We ranked their biggest needs, and filled them out with players who would help.

Did you think it was going to be anything else? The Texans’ season was characterized by failures up front in both the run and passing game. With a new offensive coordinator in tow, finding a group in the interior to help protect QB CJ Stroud is the biggest thing they can do this offseason.

Best fits: Kelvin Banks, Texas, Grey Zabel, North Dakota State, Armand Membou, Missouri

2. Defensive tackle

I think the Texans’ defense is on the verge of being one of the NFL’s elite units, but being a bit stronger against the run (specifically gap scheme runs) would help them so much. Based on how they play their defense, a true run-stopping defensive tackle would elevate the defense to such a high level. Remember, Demeco Ryans’ units in San Francisco were at their best with DT DJ Jones in the middle.

Best fits: Derrick Harmon, Oregon, Tyliek Williams, Ohio State, Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon

3. Wide Receiver

With WR Stefon Diggs both coming off a torn ACL and entering free agency, WR Robert Woods is a free agent, WR Tank Dell coming off another major leg injury and WR Nico Collins battling hamstring issues, building the depth at wide receiver should be another priority through the draft. I don’t think they address it early on, but finding a quality player to back them up in case of injury could help them avoid some of the issues they’ve faced at the end of the last two seasons.

Best fits: Matthew Golden, Texas, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, Jack Bech, TCU

4. Running back

Ok so RB Joe Mixon is going anywhere anytime soon, that’s for sure. He’s also close to 30, so potentially finding a serviceable secondary back behind him should be on the table for the Texans. RB Dameon Pierce seems like a bad fit for the offense and can’t get on the field, and RB Dare Ogunbowale is also a free agent. Finding a nice change of pace guy to work in the offense could help take some body blows away from Mixon.

Best fits: Treyveon Henderson, Ohio State, RJ Harvey, UCF, Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech