2026 Houston Texans Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 9 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Houston Texans enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 9 selections and critical needs at NT, Running Back, Offensive Guard. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #26 - Houston Texans: Olaivavega Ioane, Offensive Guard, Penn State
Rank: #27 overall | Grade: B+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Los Angeles takes CJ Allen despite linebacker not appearing in their top needs because his elite coverage ability and youth—just 20 years old—make him too valuable to pass. Allen's smooth hips and impressive hand-eye coordination allow him to cover tight ends and running backs in ways most linebackers simply cannot, while his 76 tackles and interception in 2024 prove he can produce in the SEC. The Chargers are adding a three-down linebacker who never has to leave the field.
The Fit:Allen's ability to carry wide receivers on vertical routes in Tampa 2 and his sideline-to-sideline range give Los Angeles a modern linebacker who solves coverage problems. His sure tackling and ability to defeat blocks with athleticism add run-stopping value, even if he lacks the physical pop of traditional downhill thumpers. The Daiyan Henley comparison speaks to his potential—a coverage-first linebacker whose processing and range make up for physical limitations against the run.
Scouting Report:If Olaivavega Ioane was off the board, Houston Texans could target similar Offensive Guards in the first round range.
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Pick #38 - Houston Texans: LT Overton, Defensive Line, Alabama
Rank: #36 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Cleveland takes LT Overton to add defensive line depth despite 5-Tech ranking lower on their needs list. Overton's five-star pedigree and ability to play anywhere from 2i- to 7-technique give the Browns the most versatile defensive lineman in this class. The Alabama transfer's 42 tackles and two sacks in 2024 prove he can produce when given opportunities.
The Fit:Overton's strength and physicality at the point of attack, combined with his wide base and thick lower half, allow him to absorb combo blocks that would move lesser players. His solid bull rush when pads stay down and decent change-of-direction for stunts add value, while his experience across multiple alignments provides scheme flexibility. The tweener body type concerns are real—he's bulky for defensive end but light for 3-technique—but the Christian Barmore-like moveable interior presence is valuable.
Scouting Report:If LT Overton was off the board, Houston Texans could target similar Defensive Lines in the second round range.
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Pick #57 - Houston Texans: Justice Haynes, Running Back, Michigan
Rank: #65 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:San Francisco addresses their top need with Austin Siereveld, a developmental tackle whose seamless transition from guard to left tackle at Ohio State has turned heads despite limited starting experience. Siereveld's 2025 season showcased remarkable efficiency—just four pressures and zero sacks allowed in his first full year at the position. The 49ers are betting his ideal NFL size at 6-5, 325 pounds and ability to learn quickly accelerate his development curve.
The Fit:Siereveld's exceptional pass-protection efficiency and rare versatility to play multiple positions give San Francisco options along their offensive line. His daily exposure to elite Big Ten competition—facing top pass rushers weekly—means he's not a small-school project requiring major adjustment. The extremely limited starting experience creates projection risk, but his clean 158-snap sample as a redshirt freshman (zero QB hurries, zero QB hits) suggests foundational technique that needs only reps to refine.
Scouting Report:If Justice Haynes was off the board, Houston Texans could target similar Running Backs in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #68 - Houston Texans: Austin Barber, Offensive Tackle, Florida
Rank: #66 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Tennessee finally addresses their top need by selecting Damon Wilson Jr, a versatile Missouri athlete whose speed, motor, and competitive nature have made him effective despite questions about his defined NFL role. Wilson's good instincts and ability to make plays when opportunities arise suggest a player whose athletic ceiling remains untapped. The Titans are betting on traits and development over refined technique.
The Fit:Wilson's athleticism and motor allow Tennessee to experiment with his deployment while he refines his pass-rush technique at the professional level. His versatility to contribute from multiple positions gives the coaching staff options as they determine his optimal role. The technique development needed across positions and limited experience at one spot mean patience will be required, but his work ethic suggests continued growth.
Scouting Report:If Austin Barber was off the board, Houston Texans could target similar Offensive Tackles in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Houston Texans 7-round draft →---
Pick #106: Zane Durant (Defensive Line, Penn State) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #125: Parker Brailsford (Center, Alabama) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #164: Eric McAlister (Wide Receiver, TCU) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #242: Brett Norfleet (Tight End, Missouri) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #244: Bishop Fitzgerald (Safety, USC) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Houston Texans Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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