Texans’ Top Position Groups to Address in NFL Draft

With the 2026 NFL Draft now just over two months away, the Houston Texans enter the offseason positioned to extend their playoff streak to four consecutive seasons under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Yet the front office views the upcoming draft as the critical avenue to elevate the roster from postseason regular to legitimate Super Bowl contender, armed with four selections in the first two days of the selection process.

Offensive line remains the club’s most publicized priority. Although pass-protection metrics improved during the 2025 campaign, the overall offensive production lagged and quarterback C.J. Stroud’s third season was described within the building as inconsistent. General manager Nick Caserio is expected to target interior help early, with left guard, center, and potentially right guard—depending on Ed Ingram’s free-agency decision—all in play. The Texans believe they can solidify the edges by keeping Aireontae Ersery at left tackle and sliding veteran Tytus Howard back to right tackle, but the middle of the line lacks long-term certainty. League sources anticipate at least one offensive-lineman selection among Houston’s first three picks.

Running back is the second area drawing heavy discussion inside NRG Stadium. Woody Marks handled the bulk of carries down the stretch, yet managed only 42 yards on 14 attempts in the team’s January loss to New England, a performance that underscored the need for a complementary playmaker. Front-office decision-makers have floated the idea of using a second-round choice on the position, and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has been mentioned as a potential trade-up target if he slips into the latter portion of Day 1. Adding a second reliable ball-carrier would give new offensive coordinator Nick Caley the balanced attack he emphasized upon his January promotion.

Defensive tackle rounds out the trifecta of draft priorities. Veterans Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle are ticketed for unrestricted free agency, and the Texans may be unable to retain both. Even if one re-signs, the organization wants to cultivate a younger, more explosive interior rotation to pair with edge rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. A powerful three-technique or nose tackle drafted in the first 64 picks could complete a defense that already features a lockdown secondary and standout linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.

Armed with two Day 1 selections and two more on Day 2, Houston has the capital to address each of these needs without mortgaging future drafts. How Caserio allocates those four premium picks will determine whether the 2026 Texans take the next step from playoff qualifier to AFC powerhouse.