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It's draft week!
We're less than 100 hours from the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning the Houston Texans are finalizing their to find a path to securing the right fit at pick No. 25. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and interior offensive line remain the top three needs after free agency, but defensive tackle, linebacker and running back depth also could be in play depending on how the board breaks.
Everything for Houston will depend on the draft status of the first 24 picks. The Texans might have their sights set on landing a promising left tackle prospect, though they won't reach to secure a name who fits the Day 2 mold. Houston could also trade back like it did last year to secure multiple Day 2 picks for the long haul.
With less than a week before the card is turned in, let's look through the top 40 mock drafts (including Texans Wire) to see the consensus on the Texans' selection.
San Diego Union Tribune's Eddie Brown: "This pick likely boils down to the offensive line or a wide receiver. Either way, GM Nick Caserio will be making it with C.J. Stroud top of mind. Zabel is one of the top FCS prospects in this draft class. He started 38 games across five seasons with the Bison, appearing at both tackle positions and left guard. The unanimous FCS first-team All-American also worked out at center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Zabel’s size (6-6, 312), premium athleticism and advanced technique, especially in the run game, will excite offensive line coaches."
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards: "The signings of Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson, plus the acquisition of Ed Ingram, does not excite me about the future of Houston's offensive line. However, it gives the team some options with extensive experience starting in the NFL to the point where it could go best player available. Offensive line will be a priority and Grey Zabel gives the Texans positional flexibility to put their five best on the field."
USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz : "Even after adding Cam Robinson and Trent Brown late in free agency, the Texans' reworking of the offensive line feels incomplete. Selecting Simmons is a step toward establishing a long-term plan, as the 6-5, 317-pounder has all the tools to hold up against NFL speed rushers, though he's still finding his way on some of the finer points of pass protection and is recovering from a torn patellar tendon."
NFL.com's Chad Reuter: "Signing Cam Robinson stabilized the left tackle spot after the Texans traded starter Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders. Still, Robinson's deal is only for one year, and he's struggled to stay on the field at times. Simmons is a solid pass protector and strong run blocker on either side of the line; he'll be a first-round pick if teams receive positive medical reports on the knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2024."
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "The Texans have had a bizarre offseason along the offensive line, but they’ve added enough players where they might be able to take a stash draft pick on a supremely talented tackle. Simmons would be going much higher than this if not for a torn patellar tendon that cut short his final season at Ohio State. When healthy, Simmons has the traits of a franchise left tackle."
Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe: "Josh Simmons is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious knee injury. Robinson can provide Simmons time to make sure he is back to 100% health. Before the injury, Simmons was potentially a top-10 selection, meaning the Texans are getting tremendous upside at a nice price."
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner: "After suffering a knee injury early during the 2024 season, Simmons expects to be ready for the start of his rookie year. If he hadn’t suffered that injury, it’s fair to wonder if Simmons might have been OT1 in 2025. And the Texans have to find people who can keep C.J. Stroud off the ground."
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler: "If Josh Simmons were healthy, we're talking about a top-10 pick here and likely the first tackle off the board. However, Simmons remains in the middle of his rehab process but he is expected to be good to go when September rolls around. With Laremy Tunsil now in Washington, Houston not only needs a left tackle, they need more talent up front period. If all goes as planned, Simmons aligns at LT in Week 1 to protect C.J. Stroud's blindside."
Fox Sports' David Helman: "Simmons said at the NFL Combine that he's on track in his recovery from the patellar injury that ended his season. If that's true, he might not hang around this long. It's hard to project when we don't know the specifics, but if he's got a clean bill of health, then he makes a lot of sense as the first building block for the Texans in the post-Laremy Tunsil era."
CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole: "It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class."
Pro Football Network's Anthony Pasciolla: "Josh Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and allowing only one QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon."
Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy: "The Texans did some strange things with their offensive line during free agency, so we opted for Simmons, who can start at guard or tackle."
USA Today's Nate Davis: "Laremy Tunsil is gone as QB C.J. Stroud’s blind side protector. Veteran Cam Robinson is a one-year patch – at best. Banks, an accomplished three-year starter for the Longhorns who won the Outland Trophy last season, would be a nifty long-term solution."
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman: "With Laremy Tunsil off to Washington, Houston needs help at tackle. There are a couple of intriguing options here. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is exceptionally athletic but still a bit raw, whereas Banks is more seasoned. The 6-5, 315-pound Banks won the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 2024 after starting 15 games at left tackle."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: "Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list."
The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher: "The Texans are rebuilding their offensive line, and Banks seems like a perfect fit. Could he be their starting left tackle? It’s possible, but he also has the athleticism to kick inside to guard if needed. Banks is a pretty clean prospect and would be a great value selection here at No. 25."
Pro Football Focus' Nick Kosko: "After shipping off several offensive linemen this offseason, the Texans aim to rebuild the unit with Banks. The Texas tackle surrendered just four sacks over the past three years and brings experience and athleticism to the team's offensive line."
Fox Sports' Rob Rang: "While trading away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington grabbed the headlines,the Texans quietly signed a handful of blockers in free agency, providing GM Nick Caserio flexibility on draft day. Still, Banks would seem a fine investment for a club looking to build around CJ Stroud. Banks starred the past three years at left tackle for the Longhorns but has the broad frame and physicality to handle the move inside, if needed, as well. "
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: "The Texans have brought in competition at guard via the veteran market, but Jackson gives them a starting-caliber player with good athletic ability and a championship pedigree who can upgrade the interior pass protection."
Draft Network's Jaime Eisner: "It's been an... interesting offseason when it comes to the offensive line in Houston. Shoring up this area long-term is a must. Donovan Jackson is a plug-and-play starter at left guard and a true first-round talent. He may even be able to play a little tackle as he showed in his final season at Ohio State."
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli: "Based on everything the Texans have done lately, it'd be a real surprise to see them go any other direction but offensive line here. I love Donovan Jackson, as he showed the ability to play left tackle this season too. I believe guard is his best future, but the Texans can afford to try him in multiple spots if they'd like."
ESPN's Jordan Reid: "The Texans remodeled their offensive line this offseason after struggling to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2024. Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason are all gone, while the team added Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram. But guard is still a major weakness. Booker is a tone-setting interior blocker who allowed only one sack across 970 pass-blocking snaps in college. His physical play and quickness help him win in short areas. Booker has the potential to be a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot."
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "Investing in the trenches is always a winning formula, and the Texans can begin rebuilding their offensive line in Round 1 in this case. Tyler Booker displays strong technical skills and physical strength as an interior lineman. He has a strong base and generates solid power at the point of attack. Expect him to become a mainstay on the Texans’ interior line."
Draft Countdown's Brian Lamb: "In my opinion, Tyler Booker is a day-one starter at guard for the Texans. GM Nick Caserio and HC DeMeco Ryans are looking to revitalize the culture in Houston. He’ll need to improve his footwork, but has the tools to be a high-end guard in the NFL."
CBS Sports' Mike Renner: "This would be a dream scenario for a Texans offensive line that can't afford to take a multi-year project. Booker is Day 1 ready."
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: "The offensive line has been revamped, but it's still not good enough. Booker is a power player who can step in and become an immediate starter. He isn't a great athlete, but he's good enough."
33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "Houston's offensive overhaul has featured an offensive coordinator change and a revamped offensive line unit. There are new faces at wide receiver, as well — but the Texans pursued a deep receiver room last year only to see the depth fizzle down the stretch after injuries. Fortifying the wide receiver grom to help CJ Stroud fire on all cylinders feels like an admirable play after the Texans were so aggressive in signing new names to play up front."
Touchdown Wire's Cole Thompson: "Houston needs receiver help and Egbuka is someone who thrived with hauling in passes from C.J. Stroud in Columbus. Two years later, he put up another 1,000-yard season as a No. 2 weapon in a passing-centric offense. That’s what the Texans are looking to accomplish with Nick Caley as the new OC. Caserio can go offensive line the rest of the draft, but adding Egbuka essentially does help out Stroud, so consider the mission accomplished."
DraftTek's Cody Lachney: "Egbuka has truly had an incredible career as an Ohio State WR. His 205 catches and 2868 receiving yards are both 1st in OSU history. Emeka's 14 yards per reception has some scouts believing he has WR 1 potential even though he primarily operates from the slot similar to a Cooper Kupp! Houston has already used a top-30 visit to meet with him, and the opportunity to pair the former teammates together is too good of an opportunity to pass up."
NFL.com's Mike Band: "With Stefon Diggs' departure and Tank Dell’s late-season injury creating uncertainty at receiver, the Texans reunite C.J. Stroud with a familiar and trusted target. Egbuka posted 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns with Stroud in 2022 at Ohio State and profiles as a versatile playmaker who can thrive from the slot or outside. With Houston addressing the left tackle position by signing Cam Robinson in free agency, it can target a skill-position player here and revisit the O-line on Day 2."
Pro Football Network's Reese Decker: "At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka is a refined, reliable prospect. He plays an unselfish brand of football, willing to be a physical force as a perimeter blocker. Egbuka has a natural feel for space and valuable positional versatility. He’s a smooth route runner with excellent body control and consistently delivers in high-pressure moments. For a Texans offense looking for more consistency and another playmaking threat alongside Nico Collins, Egbuka could be the perfect solution."
Pro Football Network Staff: "The Houston Texans’ offense took a step back in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistent offensive line play. Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector."
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt: "Houston traded away Laremy Tunsil, causing a big hole on the offensive line. You've got to project quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's more of a typical pocket passer. Conerly is a perfect fit considering the need."
The Athletic's Ben Standig: "Tank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero."
Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman: "The Texans do need to add young talent in the trenches, but they also have major questions at wide receiver beyond Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Golden gives them a legitimate Z receiver who can take the top off a defense and run outstanding routes. With Golden in tow, they can focus on the trenches with their three Day 2 picks."
Pro Football Focus' Josh Liskiewitz: "Golden is an excellent route-runner who creates natural separation. Of his 59 receptions in 2024, 26 were explosive plays (gains of 15 or more yards), and he won 60% of his contested targets."
The Draft Network's Daniel Harms: "C.J. Stroud's offensive line has undergone an overhaul following a rough 2024 season, but with the Tank Dell timeline uncertain and no other viable options emerging alongside Nico Collins, Matthew Golden provides a route-running presence to pair with Collins. His incredible timing will give Stroud a trusted option and that chemistry should develop quickly."
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson have a case for the best edge-rushing duo in the NFL. The Texans need more talent on their defensive interior. Harmon would provide instant pass-rushing production and can hold up against the run because of his power and two-gapping skills."
Draftwire's Jeff Risdon: "What a fun pairing, placing the kinetic Burden with C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins in an offense that needs to be more threatening more often. Burden was a preseason top-10 fixture and still has that kind of talent."
Sportsnaut's Andrew Buller-Russ: "With the top left tackles off the board, the Texans pivot their attention to building one of the best defensive fronts in football, adding the powerful Kenneth Grant to their interior. He’ll help upgrade the run defense but his strength could lead to some surprising sack production too."
FOX Sports' Carmen Vitali: "The Texans need offensive line help badly and Mbow is a guy going under the radar. To borrow a point made by Yahoo's Nate Tice and his father, former longtime offensive line coach Mike Tice, who recently broke down the Purdue product's game: Mbow is hungry and plays with a great motor. That's exactly what the Texans need in front of CJ Stroud."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans down to four prospects at No. 25
Continue reading...
We're less than 100 hours from the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning the Houston Texans are finalizing their to find a path to securing the right fit at pick No. 25. Wide receiver, offensive tackle and interior offensive line remain the top three needs after free agency, but defensive tackle, linebacker and running back depth also could be in play depending on how the board breaks.
Everything for Houston will depend on the draft status of the first 24 picks. The Texans might have their sights set on landing a promising left tackle prospect, though they won't reach to secure a name who fits the Day 2 mold. Houston could also trade back like it did last year to secure multiple Day 2 picks for the long haul.
With less than a week before the card is turned in, let's look through the top 40 mock drafts (including Texans Wire) to see the consensus on the Texans' selection.
North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel
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San Diego Union Tribune's Eddie Brown: "This pick likely boils down to the offensive line or a wide receiver. Either way, GM Nick Caserio will be making it with C.J. Stroud top of mind. Zabel is one of the top FCS prospects in this draft class. He started 38 games across five seasons with the Bison, appearing at both tackle positions and left guard. The unanimous FCS first-team All-American also worked out at center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Zabel’s size (6-6, 312), premium athleticism and advanced technique, especially in the run game, will excite offensive line coaches."
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards: "The signings of Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson, plus the acquisition of Ed Ingram, does not excite me about the future of Houston's offensive line. However, it gives the team some options with extensive experience starting in the NFL to the point where it could go best player available. Offensive line will be a priority and Grey Zabel gives the Texans positional flexibility to put their five best on the field."
Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
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USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz : "Even after adding Cam Robinson and Trent Brown late in free agency, the Texans' reworking of the offensive line feels incomplete. Selecting Simmons is a step toward establishing a long-term plan, as the 6-5, 317-pounder has all the tools to hold up against NFL speed rushers, though he's still finding his way on some of the finer points of pass protection and is recovering from a torn patellar tendon."
NFL.com's Chad Reuter: "Signing Cam Robinson stabilized the left tackle spot after the Texans traded starter Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders. Still, Robinson's deal is only for one year, and he's struggled to stay on the field at times. Simmons is a solid pass protector and strong run blocker on either side of the line; he'll be a first-round pick if teams receive positive medical reports on the knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2024."
Yahoo! Sports' Nate Tice: "The Texans have had a bizarre offseason along the offensive line, but they’ve added enough players where they might be able to take a stash draft pick on a supremely talented tackle. Simmons would be going much higher than this if not for a torn patellar tendon that cut short his final season at Ohio State. When healthy, Simmons has the traits of a franchise left tackle."
Pro Football Network's Ben Rolfe: "Josh Simmons is a very talented player, but he is coming off a serious knee injury. Robinson can provide Simmons time to make sure he is back to 100% health. Before the injury, Simmons was potentially a top-10 selection, meaning the Texans are getting tremendous upside at a nice price."
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner: "After suffering a knee injury early during the 2024 season, Simmons expects to be ready for the start of his rookie year. If he hadn’t suffered that injury, it’s fair to wonder if Simmons might have been OT1 in 2025. And the Texans have to find people who can keep C.J. Stroud off the ground."
The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler: "If Josh Simmons were healthy, we're talking about a top-10 pick here and likely the first tackle off the board. However, Simmons remains in the middle of his rehab process but he is expected to be good to go when September rolls around. With Laremy Tunsil now in Washington, Houston not only needs a left tackle, they need more talent up front period. If all goes as planned, Simmons aligns at LT in Week 1 to protect C.J. Stroud's blindside."
Fox Sports' David Helman: "Simmons said at the NFL Combine that he's on track in his recovery from the patellar injury that ended his season. If that's true, he might not hang around this long. It's hard to project when we don't know the specifics, but if he's got a clean bill of health, then he makes a lot of sense as the first building block for the Texans in the post-Laremy Tunsil era."
CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole: "It would be shocking if the Texans did take an offensive lineman here. And while Josh Simmons is coming off knee surgery, he could end up being the best tackle in the class."
Pro Football Network's Anthony Pasciolla: "Josh Simmons had a hot start to the 2024 season, starting six games at left tackle and allowing only one QB hurry and no sacks in that stretch. His season was cut short against Oregon, however, after he suffered a torn patellar tendon."
Draft Wire's Curt Popejoy: "The Texans did some strange things with their offensive line during free agency, so we opted for Simmons, who can start at guard or tackle."
Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
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USA Today's Nate Davis: "Laremy Tunsil is gone as QB C.J. Stroud’s blind side protector. Veteran Cam Robinson is a one-year patch – at best. Banks, an accomplished three-year starter for the Longhorns who won the Outland Trophy last season, would be a nifty long-term solution."
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman: "With Laremy Tunsil off to Washington, Houston needs help at tackle. There are a couple of intriguing options here. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons is exceptionally athletic but still a bit raw, whereas Banks is more seasoned. The 6-5, 315-pound Banks won the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 2024 after starting 15 games at left tackle."
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: "Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list."
The 33rd Team's Marcus Mosher: "The Texans are rebuilding their offensive line, and Banks seems like a perfect fit. Could he be their starting left tackle? It’s possible, but he also has the athleticism to kick inside to guard if needed. Banks is a pretty clean prospect and would be a great value selection here at No. 25."
Pro Football Focus' Nick Kosko: "After shipping off several offensive linemen this offseason, the Texans aim to rebuild the unit with Banks. The Texas tackle surrendered just four sacks over the past three years and brings experience and athleticism to the team's offensive line."
Fox Sports' Rob Rang: "While trading away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington grabbed the headlines,the Texans quietly signed a handful of blockers in free agency, providing GM Nick Caserio flexibility on draft day. Still, Banks would seem a fine investment for a club looking to build around CJ Stroud. Banks starred the past three years at left tackle for the Longhorns but has the broad frame and physicality to handle the move inside, if needed, as well. "
Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson
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NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: "The Texans have brought in competition at guard via the veteran market, but Jackson gives them a starting-caliber player with good athletic ability and a championship pedigree who can upgrade the interior pass protection."
Draft Network's Jaime Eisner: "It's been an... interesting offseason when it comes to the offensive line in Houston. Shoring up this area long-term is a must. Donovan Jackson is a plug-and-play starter at left guard and a true first-round talent. He may even be able to play a little tackle as he showed in his final season at Ohio State."
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli: "Based on everything the Texans have done lately, it'd be a real surprise to see them go any other direction but offensive line here. I love Donovan Jackson, as he showed the ability to play left tackle this season too. I believe guard is his best future, but the Texans can afford to try him in multiple spots if they'd like."
Alabama OL Tyler Booker
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ESPN's Jordan Reid: "The Texans remodeled their offensive line this offseason after struggling to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2024. Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason are all gone, while the team added Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson and Ed Ingram. But guard is still a major weakness. Booker is a tone-setting interior blocker who allowed only one sack across 970 pass-blocking snaps in college. His physical play and quickness help him win in short areas. Booker has the potential to be a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot."
Pro Football Network's Marco Enriquez: "Investing in the trenches is always a winning formula, and the Texans can begin rebuilding their offensive line in Round 1 in this case. Tyler Booker displays strong technical skills and physical strength as an interior lineman. He has a strong base and generates solid power at the point of attack. Expect him to become a mainstay on the Texans’ interior line."
Draft Countdown's Brian Lamb: "In my opinion, Tyler Booker is a day-one starter at guard for the Texans. GM Nick Caserio and HC DeMeco Ryans are looking to revitalize the culture in Houston. He’ll need to improve his footwork, but has the tools to be a high-end guard in the NFL."
CBS Sports' Mike Renner: "This would be a dream scenario for a Texans offensive line that can't afford to take a multi-year project. Booker is Day 1 ready."
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: "The offensive line has been revamped, but it's still not good enough. Booker is a power player who can step in and become an immediate starter. He isn't a great athlete, but he's good enough."
Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
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33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs: "Houston's offensive overhaul has featured an offensive coordinator change and a revamped offensive line unit. There are new faces at wide receiver, as well — but the Texans pursued a deep receiver room last year only to see the depth fizzle down the stretch after injuries. Fortifying the wide receiver grom to help CJ Stroud fire on all cylinders feels like an admirable play after the Texans were so aggressive in signing new names to play up front."
Touchdown Wire's Cole Thompson: "Houston needs receiver help and Egbuka is someone who thrived with hauling in passes from C.J. Stroud in Columbus. Two years later, he put up another 1,000-yard season as a No. 2 weapon in a passing-centric offense. That’s what the Texans are looking to accomplish with Nick Caley as the new OC. Caserio can go offensive line the rest of the draft, but adding Egbuka essentially does help out Stroud, so consider the mission accomplished."
DraftTek's Cody Lachney: "Egbuka has truly had an incredible career as an Ohio State WR. His 205 catches and 2868 receiving yards are both 1st in OSU history. Emeka's 14 yards per reception has some scouts believing he has WR 1 potential even though he primarily operates from the slot similar to a Cooper Kupp! Houston has already used a top-30 visit to meet with him, and the opportunity to pair the former teammates together is too good of an opportunity to pass up."
NFL.com's Mike Band: "With Stefon Diggs' departure and Tank Dell’s late-season injury creating uncertainty at receiver, the Texans reunite C.J. Stroud with a familiar and trusted target. Egbuka posted 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns with Stroud in 2022 at Ohio State and profiles as a versatile playmaker who can thrive from the slot or outside. With Houston addressing the left tackle position by signing Cam Robinson in free agency, it can target a skill-position player here and revisit the O-line on Day 2."
Pro Football Network's Reese Decker: "At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Egbuka is a refined, reliable prospect. He plays an unselfish brand of football, willing to be a physical force as a perimeter blocker. Egbuka has a natural feel for space and valuable positional versatility. He’s a smooth route runner with excellent body control and consistently delivers in high-pressure moments. For a Texans offense looking for more consistency and another playmaking threat alongside Nico Collins, Egbuka could be the perfect solution."
Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
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Pro Football Network Staff: "The Houston Texans’ offense took a step back in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistent offensive line play. Josh Conerly Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the class. His quick feet and pad level make him a strong pass protector."
Fox Sports' Joel Klatt: "Houston traded away Laremy Tunsil, causing a big hole on the offensive line. You've got to project quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's more of a typical pocket passer. Conerly is a perfect fit considering the need."
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
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The Athletic's Ben Standig: "Tank Dell’s significant knee injury may keep the talented receiver sidelined for much or all of the 2025 season, and newly acquired Christian Kirk’s contract expires next offseason. The slide ends here for McMillan, a 6-5 contested-catch hero."
Texas WR Matthew Golden
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Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman: "The Texans do need to add young talent in the trenches, but they also have major questions at wide receiver beyond Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Golden gives them a legitimate Z receiver who can take the top off a defense and run outstanding routes. With Golden in tow, they can focus on the trenches with their three Day 2 picks."
Pro Football Focus' Josh Liskiewitz: "Golden is an excellent route-runner who creates natural separation. Of his 59 receptions in 2024, 26 were explosive plays (gains of 15 or more yards), and he won 60% of his contested targets."
The Draft Network's Daniel Harms: "C.J. Stroud's offensive line has undergone an overhaul following a rough 2024 season, but with the Tank Dell timeline uncertain and no other viable options emerging alongside Nico Collins, Matthew Golden provides a route-running presence to pair with Collins. His incredible timing will give Stroud a trusted option and that chemistry should develop quickly."
Oregon DL Derrick Harmon
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CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso: "Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson have a case for the best edge-rushing duo in the NFL. The Texans need more talent on their defensive interior. Harmon would provide instant pass-rushing production and can hold up against the run because of his power and two-gapping skills."
Missouri WR Luther Burden III
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Draftwire's Jeff Risdon: "What a fun pairing, placing the kinetic Burden with C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins in an offense that needs to be more threatening more often. Burden was a preseason top-10 fixture and still has that kind of talent."
Michigan DL Kenneth Grant
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Sportsnaut's Andrew Buller-Russ: "With the top left tackles off the board, the Texans pivot their attention to building one of the best defensive fronts in football, adding the powerful Kenneth Grant to their interior. He’ll help upgrade the run defense but his strength could lead to some surprising sack production too."
Purdue OT Marcus Mbow
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FOX Sports' Carmen Vitali: "The Texans need offensive line help badly and Mbow is a guy going under the radar. To borrow a point made by Yahoo's Nate Tice and his father, former longtime offensive line coach Mike Tice, who recently broke down the Purdue product's game: Mbow is hungry and plays with a great motor. That's exactly what the Texans need in front of CJ Stroud."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Texans down to four prospects at No. 25
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