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Following the NFL's free agency frenzy, which included the Houston Texans reshaping their offensive line by trading away five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, Chad Reuter of NFL.com put together his latest four-round mock draft.
So, taking into account the signings made, the changes that occurred, and the needs that still remain, let's break down the Texans' selections in Reuter's mock.
Yes, the Texans need a stable left tackle for the long haul, but Nick Caserio won't overreach for a prospect. Instead, he'll trade back, stock up on picks and build a foundation of young talent for the price of one Day 1 selection.
Ersey is a talented left tackle prospect with three years of starting experience in one of the college football's top conferences, but his 6-foot-6 frame limits him from dropping low to reach the point of attack against faster defensive ends. It's why he's a consensus Day 2 prospect, so the Texans should try to move down and gain an extra Day 2 pick if Ersey is the right fit for Cole Popovich's line.
Adding Sheldon Rankins to the defensive tackle room provides stability on the interior, thus pushing the need for a three-rech down the pecking order. Rankins is coming off a down season in Cincinnati and Tim Settle will be a free agent next ofseason, so finding long-term depth should at least be an option on Day 2.
Farmer's a powerful interior pass rusher with long arms and strong hands to win his one-on-ones against small guards. He's a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point bull-rusher who can win a single punch and punish those not paying attention. In Houston, he'd be an ideal fit for what DeMeco Ryans covets in his linemen at 300 pounds.
Christian Harris is going into a contract season while Azeez Al-Shaair failed to live up to the 2023 hype from his time in Tennessee. While neither is in jeopardy of losing their starting job, the Texans need more than Henry To'oTo'o to serve as depth behind the starting duo.
James last season was one of the lone bright spots for a Gators' defense that struggled defending the run. He finished with 64 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks during his last season in Gainseville while flashing as a high-floor backup option. The problem with the selection? Tate Ratledge, a fan favorite and an immediate upgrade to start at guard over newly acquired Ed Ingram, is still on the board. He landed a pick later with AFC South rival Indianapolis.
Even after adding Christian Kirk via trade, plus the signings of Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios, Houston needs a stable No. 3 option. Enter Williams, a 6-foot-4 prospect with immense potential but also concerns. The TCU No. 2 target is a strong player with upside on the outside, but he's very raw as a route-runner and unreliable in winning 50-50 passes.
Utah State's Jaylen Royals is also on the board, so he might be a better fit as the Z-type receiver in place of the injured Tank Dell.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Texans' pick from NFL.com's mock draft
Continue reading...
So, taking into account the signings made, the changes that occurred, and the needs that still remain, let's break down the Texans' selections in Reuter's mock.
Pick 25: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Yes, the Texans need a stable left tackle for the long haul, but Nick Caserio won't overreach for a prospect. Instead, he'll trade back, stock up on picks and build a foundation of young talent for the price of one Day 1 selection.
Ersey is a talented left tackle prospect with three years of starting experience in one of the college football's top conferences, but his 6-foot-6 frame limits him from dropping low to reach the point of attack against faster defensive ends. It's why he's a consensus Day 2 prospect, so the Texans should try to move down and gain an extra Day 2 pick if Ersey is the right fit for Cole Popovich's line.
Pick 58: Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State
Adding Sheldon Rankins to the defensive tackle room provides stability on the interior, thus pushing the need for a three-rech down the pecking order. Rankins is coming off a down season in Cincinnati and Tim Settle will be a free agent next ofseason, so finding long-term depth should at least be an option on Day 2.
Farmer's a powerful interior pass rusher with long arms and strong hands to win his one-on-ones against small guards. He's a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point bull-rusher who can win a single punch and punish those not paying attention. In Houston, he'd be an ideal fit for what DeMeco Ryans covets in his linemen at 300 pounds.
Pick 79 (via WAS): Shemar James, LB, Florida
Christian Harris is going into a contract season while Azeez Al-Shaair failed to live up to the 2023 hype from his time in Tennessee. While neither is in jeopardy of losing their starting job, the Texans need more than Henry To'oTo'o to serve as depth behind the starting duo.
James last season was one of the lone bright spots for a Gators' defense that struggled defending the run. He finished with 64 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks during his last season in Gainseville while flashing as a high-floor backup option. The problem with the selection? Tate Ratledge, a fan favorite and an immediate upgrade to start at guard over newly acquired Ed Ingram, is still on the board. He landed a pick later with AFC South rival Indianapolis.
Pick 89: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Even after adding Christian Kirk via trade, plus the signings of Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios, Houston needs a stable No. 3 option. Enter Williams, a 6-foot-4 prospect with immense potential but also concerns. The TCU No. 2 target is a strong player with upside on the outside, but he's very raw as a route-runner and unreliable in winning 50-50 passes.
Utah State's Jaylen Royals is also on the board, so he might be a better fit as the Z-type receiver in place of the injured Tank Dell.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Texans' pick from NFL.com's mock draft
Continue reading...
