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[Houston Texans]

2025 NFL Draft: Houston Texans Wide Receiver Targets

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Wide receiver options for the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans had arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL, prior to last season with Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

The expectations for the group as a whole were through the roof, and rightfully so with that much talent.

Nico Collins ended up having a Pro Bowl year, catching 68 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns in only 12 games. Collins was leading the league in receiving yards for several weeks, until he suffered a hamstring injury against the Buffalo Bills.

The Texans traded for veteran Stefon Diggs this time last offseason, and had a decent stint in Houston, before tearing his ACL against the Indianapolis Colts, which ended his season before it had a real chance to begin.

Diggs has since signed a multi-year deal with the New England Patriots in free agency.

Tank Dell was very inconsistent throughout the season, and seemed to not be involved as much as he should have in the Texans game plan, but still made some huge plays for the team down the stretch.

It wasn’t until the Chiefs game in Kansas City, where Dell truly stepped up and was looking like his dominant self. Dell was having an impressive game, until the talented receiver unfortunately suffered one of the most gruesome leg injuries in recent memory while catching a touchdown pass. Dell will likely miss all of 2025, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Fast forward to free agency, and General Manager Nick Caserio knew he needed to make a move, hence the trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk. Kirk missed most of the 2024 season due to a broken collarbone, but when healthy, Kirk is a very talented player.

Despite having a true number one wide receiver in Nico Collins, along with the addition of Christian Kirk, Houston will still absolutely consider drafting another weapon early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Here is a look at some options for the Houston Texans:

TEXAS WIDE RECEIVER MATTHEW GOLDEN​

2024 Stats: 58/987/9

Unless Houston decides to trade up for Golden from their 25th-overall pick, it seems like the speedster out of Texas will be long gone by the time they will make their selection.

But regardless, Golden to the Texans would be a dream scenario for Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley’s offense. Golden raised his draft stock significantly, running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but he is much more than that.

Before transferring to Texas, Golden played with current Texans receiver Tank Dell at The University of Houston, and has been liking Texans content on social media. Seems like a match made in heaven.

OHIO STATE WIDE RECEIVER EMEKA EGBUKA ​

2024 Stats: 81/1,011/10

Not only is Egbuka an extremely talented playmaker, but he is also a former teammate of Texans quarterback C.J Stroud, which means that it would likely be a smooth transition.

The Texans drafted a former teammate of Stroud last offseason in tight end Cade Stover, and it would not be a surprise to see that trend continue.

Egbuka is currently projected to be drafted anywhere within the back half of the first-round, and he could still be on the board when the Texans make their selection.

WASHINGTON STATE WIDE RECEIVER KYLE WILLIAMS​

2024 Stats: 70/1,198/14

There are players in the NFL Draft process that skyrocket as time goes on, and Kyle Williams is one of them.

Williams already had the film to prove he was an NFL player, but he showed up to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, and gave scouts even more of a reason to have faith that he could translate his talent to the next level.

The Texans wide receiver room needs someone outside of Nico Collins and Christian Kirk that can create consistent separation, and Williams could be that guy in the second-round. His big-play ability, combined with the elite talent of quarterback C.J Stroud would do wonders for Houston’s offense.

The Texans are looking to invest in the wide receiver position throughout the early part of the NFL Draft, and are close to making that a reality in about two weeks.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...raft-houston-texans-wide-receiver-targets-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans sign S Jalen Pitre to 3-year contract extension

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Texans are rewarding standout safety Jalen Pitre with a new three-year contract extension.

The Texans continue to pay their young core and keep their outstanding secondary intact for the foreseeable future.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Houston is signing safety Jalen Pitre to a new three-year contract extension that will pay him “roughly” $39 million. The move comes after the Texans gave cornerback Derek Stingley a massive three-year, $90 million contract earlier this offseason.

Sources: The #Texans agreed to terms on a 3-year contract extension with standout S Jalen Pitre, as he gets a roughly $39M deal. Houston locks in another key member of its secondary.

First Derek Stingley Jr, now Pitre. Houston continues to pay its young core. pic.twitter.com/OFQQSJz7u2

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025​

The Texans originally drafted Pitre out of Baylor in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a consensus All-American for the Bears in 2021, along with being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. As a rookie, Pitre was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after an insanely-productive season that saw him record 147 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass breakups, five interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

Over the past two seasons, Pitre has started all 27 regular season games he’s played in, posting 149 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one interception, 13 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and another fumble recovery.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/11/24406079/texans-jalen-pitre-contract-extension-free-agency

 

[Houston Texans]

SB Nation Reactions Results: Over or Under?

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

You answered, and here’s how y’all responded.

We finally got back you responses to our question about FanDuel’s over/under for the Houston Texans, so I won’t waste a lot of time and get right to them.

First, we asked you whether you thought the Texans’ win total next year would be over or under the 9.5 games set by FanDuel:

Survey says...!

The overwhelming majority of y’all think the Texans are going to win more than nine games next season. Given that the team managed back-to-back 10 win seasons the last couple of years, this is not a hard ask to make of people. And frankly, I agree with y’all.

Then there was the other question about the Texans’ Super Bowl odds.

Let’s go to the graphic, survey says...!

Just a hair over the majority said that 29-1 odds for the Texans sounds about fair. Considering the numerous beasts that lurk in the AFC, it would make sense to give them fairly conservative odds like this.

And these are the odds they’re getting before the draft and the schedule release, which will undoubtedly cause some fluctuations with the team’s odds going into next September. Hopefully the Texans will prove all of us right.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/11/24406529/sb-nation-reactions-results-over-or-under

 

[Houston Texans]

SB Nation mock draft: Texans move up one pick and select Kelvin Banks Jr.

Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images

Texans find a falling star in the draft in SB Nation’s annual community mock draft.

The Houston Texans have traded up one pick with the Minnesota Vikings in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft! With the 24th pick in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

Kelvin Banks Jr, OT - Texas​

This is the steal of the draft if you ask me. The Battle Red Blog writers were tied between Kelvin Banks and fellow Longhorn teammate Matthew Golden, but decided that the offensive line was a bigger need.

We agreed to move up one pick to avoid other teams trading up with the pick-needy Vikings and gave them our fifth round pick (166).

BRB Analysis:

Kelvin Banks Jr. being at 24 was too good to be true. The Vikings are the clearest move-down candidate in the first round with only four total picks in the draft, which makes them a difficult team to have directly in front of the Texans. In the end, they were happy to take the draft capital and we were happy to get our future left tackle.

Banks is a three-year starter at Texas and was the anchor for an offensive line that may see all five starters drafted. His consistency, play strength, and footwork are elite in a class lacking many true tackles.

Banks is falling due to messy run-blocking form among other technical issues that need to be ironed out at the next level. However, in a class lacking definitive left tackles, Banks is one who can slot in immediately. Analysts do convey his potential at guard, but his height, length, lack of lower body thickness, and superior footwork would be disadvantageous with a move inside. He racked up 2,778 snaps at left tackle in the both the Big 12 and SEC and anyone who tells you he isn’t a tackle doesn’t understand how talent translates.

This selection opens the Texans up to take best player available throughout the rest of the draft. They should focus on wide receiver and defensive tackle early, but General Manager Nick Caserio is free to move around the draft and find talent in a top-heavy class.

NFL.com’s Draft Profile:

Overview

Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros. Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection. He’s technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks. He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point. Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms. He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard.

Strengths

Plays with good initial quickness and easy athleticism.

Tracks rushers with smooth slides and a steady pace.

Refuses to overset and unnecessarily open an inside lane.

Feet are active and light to mirror counter movements.

Has a feel for his punch range and when to throw his hands.

Dips and drives hips into the opponent, creating leverage.

Runs feet into down blocks and kick-outs, and keeps them chopping.

Centers up man-on-man blocks and strains to neutralize.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...s-move-up-one-pick-and-select-kelvin-banks-jr

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Mock Draft: Live Brett Kollman Discord Draft (Rounds 4 - 7)

Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Rounding out the live Texans mock daft with four rounds of fun

Part II from my live seven-round mock draft through former Battle Red Blog writer Brett Kollmann’s Discord server. This multi-day draft culminated with a full round of draft grades, which this draft received a solid B+ from the other teams. If you want to read the first three picks in-depth breakdown, here’s a link to the article for Rounds 1 - 3. To summarize, here are the picks and trade:

• Round 1, Pick 25: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT - Texas
• Round 2, Pick 49: Josh Conerly Jr., OT - Oregon (Traded up with 5th and 7th round picks)
• Round 3, Pick 79: T.J. Sanders, DL - South Carolina

The Texans Send:

- Pick 2.58

- Pick 5.166

- Pick 7.241

The Bengals Send:

- Pick 2.49

As the above trade was being finalized, I quickly acknowledged not having a pick between picks 89 and 236 wasn’t logical in a less-stratified class such as this. So, I paired up with the Jags who had 11+ picks to spread the wealth across the rest of the class. Funnily enough, I somehow ended up with a pick in each round.

TRADE​

The Jaguars Send:

- Pick 4.126

- Pick 5.148

- Pick 6.182

The Texans Send:

- Pick 3.89

With that, let’s kick off this draft Day Three picks!

Round 4, Pick 126: Tory Horton, WR - Colorado State​

Whether in the third or fourth round, this pick was designated as the ‘best weapon available’. That title goes to Tory Horton from Colorado State.

“But Kenneth, Nick Caserio never selects small school prospects?” Well, thank you for that question, gentle reader! While Horton played in the Mountain West Conference, his performance against Colorado showcased next-level quickness and nuance. His skill and elusiveness will win regardless if it is in the Mountain West, Big 10, or NFL.

Horton is falling in the draft due to a mid-season ACL injury, but he appears to be well on the mend. He ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which is one of the faster times for this class.

Horton’s ability to play in the slot or out wide makes him a natural foil to Nico Collins and an ideal pairing with Tank Dell, whose return will only enhance the versatility of the receiver room.

Horton may need a few weeks to regain full health and adjust to NFL-level strength, but he has the potential to be one of the most dynamic playmakers available on day three of the draft.

Round 5, Pick 148: Damien Martinez, RB - Miami​

Lewisville, Texas’ Damien Martinez returns to the state of Texas to deliver the boom for the Houston Texans. The bruising back led college football in short-yardage success rate on third and fourth down.

He played two years at Oregon State under a completely different system. Oregon State ran a wide zone offense. Miami ran two-thirds of its running plays with gap schemes. This scheme versatility is ideal for a Texans offense undergoing a new offensive coordinator.

Jump cuts are his calling card in gap scheme runs; he has surprising balance, vision, and explosion for a running back with a stouter build. His upright running style is a bit perplexing, but shouldn’t distract from his physical presence and ability to churn through contact.

Martinez split the workload last season with Mark Fletcher Jr., a name to watch for next year’s class, which means he is not worn out before reaching the NFL.

Martinez slots in as the third running back and places immense pressure on Damien Pierce. He will have to fend off incumbent Dare Ogunbowale, whose clear role as the third-down back has been impenetrable for other rookies to supplant.

Round 6, Pick 182: Melo Dotson, CB - Kansas​

The Texans find a serviceable backup cornerback in the sixth round who will make the roster and add energy to the locker room. Dotson brings the exact talent and skillset DeMeco Ryans prefers in his cornerbacks: physical, turnover-seeking, and instinctive.

His lack of speed in the Texans’ system is covered where free safety Calen Bullock ball hawks and the cornerbacks jump on anything underneath. The Texans sat in Cover-3 coverage 33% of all snaps in 2024, which is perfect for a zone corner like Dotson. Best yet, Dotson totaled 11 interceptions in four seasons and had more picks each year at Kansas.

The Texans find a culture and scheme fit with Dotson in the sixth round with an inside track to make the roster.

Round 7, Pick 236: Jordan Watkins, WR - Ole Miss​

This pick was selected by Brett Kollmann himself for putting on such a fun mock draft. My plan was to go with a defensive end, but this is an intriguing player. Here is my write up:

At first glance, Jordan Watkins doesn’t jump off the film and that’s by design. Ole Miss schemed him into space, kept his assignments clean, and made his job look easy. His nine TDs and 900 yards last year are a bit deceiving; he went for 250 yards and FIVE touchdowns against Arkansas. But when you dig deeper, you start to see the subtleties: he’s rarely in contested catch situations because he consistently finds soft spots in coverage. He works back to the quarterback with timing and awareness, making him a trusted outlet on broken plays. His rapport with Jaxson Dart was built on that reliability over the middle, in tight window. Watkins made the tough catches knowing contact was coming, and Dart knew he’d be there.

Let’s get technical: Watkins and Ole Miss utilized switch releases and slot alignments, which kept him from facing much press-man coverage. His ability to win outside of these alignments will be a grey area for scouts finalizing his profile. Watkins is not a superior athlete but is a very good zone-busting wide receiver who can find the slits in between coverage and get open for first downs. Watkins is not a route technician, but he pairs together routes which helps. His stutter-go route and slant route are his best tape.

He projects to be a WR3/4 in the NFL His 4.37 40-yard dash time doesn't translate into game speed, but that feels contradictory as he continually finds ways to get open. He honestly reminds me of fellow prospect Matthew Golden in that respect. If drafted by the Texans, Watkins will have to fight for a roster spot in a veteran, crowded room.

---

There you have it. Two lineman, two wide receivers, two defensive players, and one seconds string running back. Hopefully these players can turn the Texans into a first-rate playoff contender.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...t-live-brett-kollman-discord-draft-rounds-4-7

 

[Houston Texans]

SB Nation mock draft: Texans move up one pick and select Kelvin Banks Jr.

Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images

Texans find a falling star in the draft in SB Nation’s annual community mock draft.

The Houston Texans have traded up one pick with the Minnesota Vikings in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft! With the 24th pick in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

Kelvin Banks Jr, OT - Texas​

This is the steal of the draft if you ask me. The Battle Red Blog writers were tied between Kelvin Banks and fellow Longhorn teammate Matthew Golden, but decided that the offensive line was a bigger need.

We agreed to move up one pick to avoid other teams trading up with the pick-needy Vikings and gave them our fifth round pick (166).

BRB Analysis:

Kelvin Banks Jr. being at 24 was too good to be true. The Vikings are the clearest move-down candidate in the first round with only four total picks in the draft, which makes them a difficult team to have directly in front of the Texans. In the end, they were happy to take the draft capital and we were happy to get our future left tackle.

Banks is a three-year starter at Texas and was the anchor for an offensive line that may see all five starters drafted. His consistency, play strength, and footwork are elite in a class lacking many true tackles.

Banks is falling due to messy run-blocking form among other technical issues that need to be ironed out at the next level. However, in a class lacking definitive left tackles, Banks is one who can slot in immediately. Analysts do convey his potential at guard, but his height, length, lack of lower body thickness, and superior footwork would be disadvantageous with a move inside. He racked up 2,778 snaps at left tackle in the both the Big 12 and SEC and anyone who tells you he isn’t a tackle doesn’t understand how talent translates.

This selection opens the Texans up to take best player available throughout the rest of the draft. They should focus on wide receiver and defensive tackle early, but General Manager Nick Caserio is free to move around the draft and find talent in a top-heavy class.

NFL.com’s Draft Profile:

Overview

Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros. Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection. He’s technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks. He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point. Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms. He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard.

Strengths

Plays with good initial quickness and easy athleticism.

Tracks rushers with smooth slides and a steady pace.

Refuses to overset and unnecessarily open an inside lane.

Feet are active and light to mirror counter movements.

Has a feel for his punch range and when to throw his hands.

Dips and drives hips into the opponent, creating leverage.

Runs feet into down blocks and kick-outs, and keeps them chopping.

Centers up man-on-man blocks and strains to neutralize.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...s-move-up-one-pick-and-select-kelvin-banks-jr

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Draft: Past Trade Packages for the 25th Pick

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Evaluating what Houston can receive for their first round pick.

With free agency all but in the books, the big trades completed, and the NFL Draft fast approaching, the complexion of the Houston Texans offseason will come into full view very soon.

The Texans only have seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, which leaves them with minimal agility to move throughout the draft. The best way to add draft equity is by trading the first pick; whether that be to move forward or backwards in the draft. There have been 10 trades in the past 10 drafts with the 25th pick. This gives us a clear vantage point to evaluate what draft capital the Texans could acquire by trading with the 25th pick.

Here is every trade over the past two decades involving the 25th pick. Most trades, especially the more recent ones, involve micro-moves within the first round and Day Three draft capital. It’s extremely intriguing to see how the league values the first round over time.

2023 NFL Draft​

BILLS RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2023: No. 25 — TE Dalton Kincaid

JAGUARS RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2023: No. 27 — OT Anton Harrison
• Round 4, 2023: No. 130 — DE Tyler Lacy

Additional trade: ​

GIANTS RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2023: No. 24 - CB Deonte Banks

JAGUARS RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2023: No. 25 - Pick traded to Buffalo - TE Dalton Kincaid
• Round 5, 2023: No. 160 - DB Antonio Johnson
• Round 7, 2023: No. 240 (from Baltimore) - DE Derek Parish

2022 NFL Draft​

BALTIMORE RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2022: No. 25 - C Tyler Linderbaum
• Round 4, 2022: No. 130 - P Jordan Stout

BUFFALO RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2022: No. 23 - CB Kaiir Elam

2020 NFL Draft​

SAN FRANCISCO RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2020: No. 25 - WR Brandon Aiyuk

MINNESOTA RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2020: No. 31 - CB Jeff Gladney
• Round 4, 2020: No. 117 - DE D.J. Wonnum
• Round 4, 2020: No. 176 - WR K.J. Osborn

2019 NFL Draft​

EAGLES RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2019: No. 22 - OT Andre Dillard

BALTIMORE RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2019: No 25 - WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
• Round 4, 2019: No. 127 - CB Iman Marshall
• Round 6, 2019: No 197 - traded to the NY Jets

2017 NFL Draft​

CLEVELAND RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2017: No. 25 - S Jabrill Peppers
• Round 1, 2018: No. 4 - CB Denzel Ward

HOUSTON RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2017: No 12 - QB Deshaun Watson

2012 NFL Draft​

PATRIOTS RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2012: No. 25 - LB Dont’a Hightower

DENVER RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2012: No. 31 - traded to Tampa Bay
• Round 4, 2012: No 126 - traded to Houston

2010 NFL Draft​

BRONCOS RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2010: No. 25 - QB Tim Tebow

RAVENS RECEIVES:

• Round 2, 2010: No. 43 - LB Sergio Kindle
• Round 3, 2010: No. 70 - TE Ed Dickson
• Round 4, 2010: No. 114 - TE Dennis Pitta

2006 NFL Draft​

STEELERS RECEIVE:

• Round 1, 2006: No. 25 - WR Santonio Holmes

GIANTS RECEIVES:

• Round 1, 2006: No. 32 - DE Mathias Kiwanuka
• Round 3, 2006: No. 96 - LB Gerris Wilkinson
• Round 4, 2006: No. 129 - OT Guy Whimper

2005 NFL Draft​

REDSKINS RECEIVE:

Round 1, 2005: No. 25 - QB Jason Campbell

BRONCOS RECEIVES:

• Round 3, 2005: No. 76 - DB Karl Paymah
• Round 1, 2006: No. 11 - QB Jay Cutler
• Round 4, 2006: No 119 - WR Brandon Marshall

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...s-draft-past-trade-packages-for-the-25th-pick

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Mock Draft: Live Brett Kollman Discord Draft (Rounds 1 - 3)

Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Texans pick a Texas Longhorn in this live mock draft.

I was recently invited to represent the Houston Texans in former BRB staff writer and current YouTube sensation Brett Kollmann’s mock draft. If you’re a fan of the draft or anything in-depth with the NFL, Brett’s content is in a tier of its its own. Representatives from all 32 teams made live selections and trades over the weekend. This is as real of a draft experiment as you’ll get, folks.

Pre-Draft Trade Discussions:

First, the Dallas Cowboys (pick 12) reached out to me about moving up,. They requested at least a second rounder. The initial discussion landed at Houston’s 25th and 58th picks for Dallas’ 12th and 204th picks. The goal? Take either Armand Membou or Will Campbell if they fall.

Then, I reached out to the Detroit Lions (pick 28) in case several offensive lineman were on the board at 25. I tried to negotiate for a fourth rounder plus a sixth, but lacked the draft capital and only offered a fourth rounder (pick 130). If this was real life, I’d ask for a future 2026 pick, but for this exercise it wasn’t necessary. Filling in the 80+ pick between our third and fifth round picks was the priority but didn’t make sense at this junction.

I also quickly spoke to the Ravens (pick 27) ‘front office’ to offer them a similar trade as the Lions, but their plan was to stick and pick. In reality, the Ravens boast 11 draft picks and are expected to move up in the draft.

With that, I entered the draft patiently awaiting who would be available; and by patiently, I mean waiting eight hours to make my first selection...

Round 1, Pick 25: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT - Texas​

Analysis: As he did in the SB Nation Community Mock, Banks fell to the Texans. If this possibility becomes reality, the Texans will be in a fantastic position for the rest of the draft.

Banks Jr. was a three-year starter at Texas and the anchor of an offensive line that could see all five starters drafted. His consistency, play strength, and footwork stand out in a class thin on true tackles.

Despite his strengths, Banks Jr. is slipping in mock drafts due to inconsistent run-blocking form and other technical flaws that will need to be ironed out at the next level. Still, in a class lacking definitive left tackles, Banks is one of the few who can slot in immediately.

Some analysts do convey his potential at guard, but his height, length, lack of lower body thickness, and superior footwork suggest a move inside would misuse his traits. He racked up 2,778 snaps at left tackle in the both the Big 12 and SEC and anyone who tells you he isn’t a tackle doesn’t understand how talent translates.

With Banks locked in, and an understanding that there is a steep talent cliff around pick 50-55 this year (the Texans hold pick 58), I began pinging team around pick 45-50 to see if anyone was willing to move back in case a favorite of mine potentially fell too.

TRADE​

The Texans Send:

- Pick 2.58

- Pick 5.166

- Pick 7.241

The Bengals Send:

- Pick 2.49

Round 2, Pick 49: Josh Conerly Jr., OT - Oregon​

Analysis: And boy, did one fall. From my previous draft profile on Josh Conerly Jr. Conerly is a rapidly improving left tackle prospect with the athleticism and length to succeed at the next level. At pick 58, none of the available wide receivers warranted selection, and given the depth at defensive tackle, I felt comfortable waiting. Instead, I opted to grab Conerly and fully revamp the left side of the offensive line. Either Kelvin Banks Jr. kicks inside to left guard or Conerly transitions to right tackle—regardless, Houston’s offensive front undergoes a dramatic upgrade.

I selected Conerly Jr. in a previous mock draft at pick 25, but Banks Jr. is above and beyond the better choice. When Conerly started falling, I tried to trade up to 40, but couldn’t find the draft capital. He kept falling and I was there to swoop him up.

Conerly Jr. is a true left tackle at 6’4”, 315 pounds and possesses a finesse kick-slide. He is still developing; he’s only 21 years old but is an elite, elite athlete with a basketball background and footwork to match. His frame can support more strength which will be necessary to reach his potential.

This trade does mean the Texans only have two more picks left, but I solve that soon (in part II of this mock draft).

My best case Houston Texans offensive line now:

• LT: Josh Conerly Jr.
• LG: Kelvin Banks Jr.
• C: Juice Scruggs
• RG: Ed Ingram (Can Blake Fisher play guard?)
• RT: Tytus Howard

Round 3, Pick 79: T.J. Sanders, DL - South Carolina​

Analysis: I continue to check boxes with complete studs. Sanders was the best player on the board at 79 and was an excellent value pick for the Texans in this draft. My favorite draft analysts over at NFL Stock Exchange nicknamed Sanders “Bullrush McIntyre” due to his un-ironically unoriginal name not standing out in a class filled with elite names (Luther Burden III and Bhayshal Tuten for example), being the reason he isn’t higher on draft boards.

Overall, defensive lineman fell in this draft; almost all of the perennial second rounders were still on the board well into the third round. Sanders is a dynamic force with three years of starting experience. He grades out as an elite run stopper with immense length. He weighed in a tad under at the NFL Combine, but his playing weight should be in the 300s.

He is a gap disruptor and plays primary the three technique over the guard. He uses his 6’4” frame and absurd get-off to completely collapse the line of scrimmage. His film against Clemson is some of the most dominant play in this class.

Sander’s super power is his vision. It can be easy for tackles to blunt force attack their offensive lineman without recognition for where the ball is. Sanders head is on a swivel and moving with purpose. He projects to be a day-one starter in a deep Texans interior and helps the front seven take a huge step forward as the long-term solution.

I will split this draft into two separate articles. A little sneak peak for you: I ended up trading with an AFC South Rival to recoup some of the draft capital sold to select Josh Conerly Jr.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...t-live-brett-kollman-discord-draft-rounds-1-3

 

[Houston Texans]

SB Nation mock draft: Texans move up one pick and select Kelvin Banks Jr.

Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images

Texans find a falling star in the draft in SB Nation’s annual community mock draft.

The Houston Texans have traded up one pick with the Minnesota Vikings in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft! With the 24th pick in the SB Nation Community Mock Draft, the Houston Texans select...

Kelvin Banks Jr, OT - Texas​

This is the steal of the draft if you ask me. The Battle Red Blog writers were tied between Kelvin Banks and fellow Longhorn teammate Matthew Golden, but decided that the offensive line was a bigger need.

We agreed to move up one pick to avoid other teams trading up with the pick-needy Vikings and gave them our fifth round pick (166).

BRB Analysis:

Kelvin Banks Jr. being at 24 was too good to be true. The Vikings are the clearest move-down candidate in the first round with only four total picks in the draft, which makes them a difficult team to have directly in front of the Texans. In the end, they were happy to take the draft capital and we were happy to get our future left tackle.

Banks is a three-year starter at Texas and was the anchor for an offensive line that may see all five starters drafted. His consistency, play strength, and footwork are elite in a class lacking many true tackles.

Banks is falling due to messy run-blocking form among other technical issues that need to be ironed out at the next level. However, in a class lacking definitive left tackles, Banks is one who can slot in immediately. Analysts do convey his potential at guard, but his height, length, lack of lower body thickness, and superior footwork would be disadvantageous with a move inside. He racked up 2,778 snaps at left tackle in the both the Big 12 and SEC and anyone who tells you he isn’t a tackle doesn’t understand how talent translates.

This selection opens the Texans up to take best player available throughout the rest of the draft. They should focus on wide receiver and defensive tackle early, but General Manager Nick Caserio is free to move around the draft and find talent in a top-heavy class.

NFL.com’s Draft Profile:

Overview

Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros. Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection. He’s technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks. He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point. Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms. He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard.

Strengths

Plays with good initial quickness and easy athleticism.

Tracks rushers with smooth slides and a steady pace.

Refuses to overset and unnecessarily open an inside lane.

Feet are active and light to mirror counter movements.

Has a feel for his punch range and when to throw his hands.

Dips and drives hips into the opponent, creating leverage.

Runs feet into down blocks and kick-outs, and keeps them chopping.

Centers up man-on-man blocks and strains to neutralize.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...s-move-up-one-pick-and-select-kelvin-banks-jr

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Draft Prospect: Ohio State OT Josh Simmons

Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Simmons’ pain could be the Texans’ gain.

One of the Biggest enigmas in the NFL Draft is one of its biggest players. Standing at 6’6”, 315 pounds, Josh Simmons has the look and feel of a prototypical NFL offensive tackle. What is holding him back is his mid-season knee injury and off the field resume. Sporting a nose ring and big earrings at his NFL Combine interview, Simmons confidently fenced several rumored character issues with the media. Considering the Texans recently jettisoned Laremy Tunsil for the same non-football flaw, it is difficult to imagine them drafting a similar project even if the value and fit are perfect.

Past Prospects:

Grey Zabel

Jonah Savaniiaea

Armand Membou

Wyatt Milum

Josh Conerly Jr.

Simmons transferred from San Diego State to Ohio State after his freshman season. The move came with a transition from right tackle to left, which is his more natural position.

Simmons knee appears to be healing well as he participated in Ohio State’s Pro Day. It certainly doesn’t appear to affect his chest press...

Josh Simmons is an absolute monster.
33 reps on the bench ️ @OhioStateFB @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/bct7rbbuFb

— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 26, 2025​

BATTLE RED ANALYSIS:

Simmons’ ceiling is immense. His tenacity, footwork, and technical nuance are among the best—if not the best—in this draft class. While he’s not a fully polished prospect—lacking extensive tape against top-tier speed rushers in 2024 and occasionally hooking defenders when beaten—he represents tremendous value for the Texans based on the film available.

Speaking of that film, his most impressive performance prior to his injury against Oregon came versus Iowa. Ohio State consistently schemed to get Simmons into space, leveraging his size advantage against Iowa’s linebackers and secondary. His synergy with guard Donovan Edwards was outstanding—an area where Laremy Tunsil struggled in a his role here.

In contrast, Simmons’ final game of the 2024 season against Oregon raised several red flags, particularly in the opening quarter. The environment appeared to rattle him early; he was flagged for a false start, had a breakdown in communication with guard Donovan Jackson that resulted in an unblocked edge rusher delivering a hit on the quarterback, and was cleanly shed on a run play that ended in a backfield tackle. While the knee injury he sustained later in the game is a factor, it’s notable, and concerning, that his most inconsistent tape came against the highest-caliber defensive front he faced all year.

Here’s my summary of several games of film:

Pass Protection:

• Best hand usage and resetting in the class
• Better against power than speed
• Quality foot speed and coordination - rarely off balance even during contact
• Urgent kick-slide gets NFL-caliber width and depth
• Works well in concert with guard
• Feints hand to get defensive ends to incorrectly lunge
• Can grip and hold when defensive ends turn their shoulders to get around him

Run Game:

• Fantastic aggression through the whistle
• Could use same tenacity when he’s the point of attach; prefers to wall off defenders
• Great-pre snap disguise; rarely tips his cards where he is going
• Can false step when blocking down (right footed tendency)
• Can improve leg drive after initial contact
• Prefers to scoop inside and wall off defenders
• Stands up too quickly after contact and can be inflexible in open space
• Prefers to shield and wedge than drive and displace

Simmons is as technical and tenacious of a tackle there is in the class. If he was able to stay healthy and get a full year of BIG 10 and playoff football under him, he would be a top 15, if not higher pick.

THE FIT:

If selected by Houston, Simmons would be the incumbent left tackle behind Cam Robinson to begin the season. This would benefit both parties as Simmons can get another couple months of preparation coming off a significant knee injury before being thrown into the fire. Simmons doesn’t project as a guard and is a true tackle prospect. Simmons could shift over to right tackle as he played at San Diego State if the Texans want to move Tytus Howard over to the left side.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/9/24396400/houston-texans-draft-prospect-josh-simmons

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans off-season workout dates

Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Almost time to get back to work...

As fans count the minutes for next week’s NFL Draft, all 32 franchises are preparing for the off-season workout and training programs. OTAs and minicamps (for both rookies and veterans) mark the 1st opportunity the coaching staffs have to teach their 2025 playbooks to the team. And your Houston Texans have a lot of work to do.

With a new offensive coordinator in Nick Calley, a reshuffled offensive line coached by Cole Popovich and a handful of new players, there’s a lot of work to do between now and September 4th. And that’s just one facet of the team.

NFL Communications

NEW YORK — April 3, 2025 — Voluntary offseason workout programs are intended to provide training, teaching and physical conditioning for players. The calendar for 2025 is below.

As per Article 21 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each club’s official, voluntary nine-week offseason program is conducted in three phases:

Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.

Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills,” and drills and plays with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players, conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.

Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs”. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

Article 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that clubs may hold one mandatoryminicamp for veteran players. This minicamp, noted below, must occur during Phase Three of the offseason program.

New head coaches are entitled to conduct an additional voluntary veteran minicamp. Any voluntary minicamp for veteran players must be conducted prior to the NFL Draft (April 24-26), but no earlier than week three of the club’s offseason workout program and after at least one week of the two weeks of Phase One activities that the clubs may hold pursuant to Article 21. This year, five clubs will hold voluntary veteran minicamps, as noted below.

Each club may hold a rookie football development program for a period of seven weeks, which in 2025 may begin on May 12. During this period, no activities may be held on weekends, with the exception of one post-Draft rookie minicamp, which may be conducted on either the first or second weekend following the draft. The dates of each club’s post-draft rookie minicamps will be circulated at a later date

Calen Bullock ‘24 rookie tape

This is a true ball hawk. His PFF grades make NO sense (36.2 coverage ???) considering what I saw on film. I’m sure there were lapses but from what I watched, he is absolutely omniscient in single high. Rare instincts.

Texans’ secondary is NASTY. pic.twitter.com/KWWR1w2kcy

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 15, 2025​

Houston Texans Offseason Workout Program Dates​

First Day: April 21

OTA Offseason Workouts: May 28-30, June 2-3, June 5

Mandatory Minicamp: June 10-11

Soon after the sweat has dried from all the workout programs efforts, training camp begins, then the preseason.

In the meantime, next week will bring a lot of excitement for Texans fans with the offseason program starting on Monday and the NFL Draft firing up on Friday.

The Culture in Houston is set because of Demeco Ryans.

Come next week remember that this matters heavily to him & Nick Caserio deciding who to draft & getting leaders on either side of the football pic.twitter.com/19TYiBifUT

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) April 15, 2025​

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/16/24409595/houston-texans-off-season-workout-dates

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Reacts Survey: Week Before Draftmas Edition!

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Want to know some draft odds for the Texans? Got some thoughts on what the Texans should draft? We got both of those questions covered.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Houston Texans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/17/24409195/texans-reacts-survey-week-before-draftmas-edition

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans News: Caserio: Draft not limited to OL needs

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, local sports, and news from around the league for Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Houston Texans News

Texans’ Nick Caserio admits to missteps, but draft focus not limited to OL need (Houston Chronicle)

NFL insider says Texans will draft one of these two offensive linemen (Chron.com)

Analyst Exposes Budding Problem Many Texans Fans are Ignoring (Sports Illustrated)

Tank Dell continues his rehab from a gruesome knee injury (Pro Football Talk)

A Change That’s Unleashed Jalen Pitre’s Potential (HoustonTexans.com)

Texans leaning on draft to finish off makeover of their wide receiver room (ESPN.com)

NFL News

GM says Giants willing to play Hunter both ways (ESPN.com)

NFL draft prospect Bond sues woman over arrest (ESPN.com)

‘Right time to hang it up’: Smith retires a Cowboy (ESPN.com)

Source: Bears give LB Edwards 2-year extension (ESPN.com)

Dolphins trying to trade star CB Ramsey, GM says (ESPN.com)

GM noncommittal on Andrews’ future with Ravens (ESPN.com)

Lions’ Arnold honoring late teammate with No. 6 (ESPN.com)

Ward one of 17 to attend NFL draft; no Sanders (ESPN.com)

Houston & Collegiate Sports

Astros Bullpen Reinforcements Closing in on Return to Major Leagues (Sports Illustrated)

‘That’s Big Diesel’: The Astros might already have their next star pitcher (Chron.com)

How is Astros outfielder Smith doing? (The Crawfish Boxes)

2025 NBA playoffs: No. 7 Warriors favored over No. 2 Rockets in the first round (Yahoo Sports)

When do Rockets play Warriors in NBA playoffs? Here’s full schedule (Houston Chronicle)

2025 NBA Playoffs: Why not the Rockets? (The Dream Shake)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/battl...ns-news-caserio-draft-not-limited-to-ol-needs

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans First-Round Pick: Wide Receiver or Offensive Line?

Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Who should the Texans be targeting with their first-round pick?

The Houston Texans are in a good spot entering the 2025 NFL Draft, which takes place next week in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Houston had a great defense entering this offseason, but with the additions of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, along with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, it seems like they are set to take things to an even higher level, which is scary for the rest of the league.

With the defense nearly set, it is time to put a majority of their focus on the offensive side of the ball, and quarterback C.J Stroud. The Texans added a very solid, veteran wide receiver in Christian Kirk to pair with Nico Collins, but it seems like that group still needs one final piece, and it would not be a shock to see another one drafted early.

Here is a look at some of the top wide receiver prospects that Houston has met with:

• Matthew Golden (Texas)
• Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
• Kyle Williams (Washington State)
• Tre Harris (Ole Miss)

It would make sense for Houston to target a wide receiver early, but you also have to remember that in order for Stroud to even get the ball to these playmakers, he needs time in the pocket, or the team has no chance to seriously compete in 2025.

The offensive line was horrific in 2024, and the team was still able to make it to the Divisional Round of the Playoffs, which says a lot about the true potential of this team.

The Texans traded away their best offensive lineman in Laremy Tunsil early this offseason, therefore it seems to be a foregone conclusion that the team will address that position early, and likely the first-round.

There have been several additions along the offensive line

since the trade, but none seem to be long-term answers. The biggest addition so far has been former Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson, who signed a one-year deal, up to $12M.

Robinson is likely going to be the starting left tackle, while 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher could be the answer at right tackle. There is also a scenario in which former first-round pick Tytus Howard could slide to right tackle, or continue to play guard.

The Texans seem to have short-term answers at their offensive tackle spots, which is good, but they need to get better on the interior, and they absolutely will.

Here is a look at some of the top offensive line prospects that Houston has met with:

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
• Tyler Booker (Alabama)
• Josh Connerly Jr. (Oregon)
• Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
• Charles Grant (William & Mary)

It all depends on how the board shapes up, which is extremely unpredictable, but the Texans should target an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. Protecting Stroud is a priority, and the wide receiver class is deep, meaning they can get a quality player with one of their other premium picks.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...ound-pick-wide-receiver-or-offensive-line-nfl

 

[Houston Texans]

Dreams and Nightmares: Texans 2025 Draft

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The final week of draft prep can keep any Texans fan up at night.

The third edition of one of my favorite articles of the draft cycle. This article came about from my fandom of Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares and how much hope and fear is wrapped up in the NFL Draft process.

Several dreams and nightmares last year did come true. “One of the top cornerbacks falls into the second” was a dream and turned into Kamari Lassiter. Then unfortunately, Houston waited too long to draft a defensive tackle. Now, that presents as one the biggest needs on the defense. Houston also took another offensive lineman on day two - Blake Fisher - who was the worst PFF graded tackles in the league last year.

With less than a week to go until the NFL Draft, let’s get into that REM cycle and go over the Dreams and Nightmares for the 2025 Draft.

Dream: Texans can find three legitimate starters in a class of rotational, depth pieces

Offensive lineman, defensive tackle, and wide receiver. The Texans only have three true needs to address and possess four selections in the first 89 picks. If they can find a starter at each position, they will fill the biggest needs on the team and set the stage for a deep playoff run. They found three last year in Kamari Lassiter, Blake Fisher, and Calen Bullock and need to repeat that success in 2025. Just three starters away from an elite roster - that’s how far we’ve come in three seasons.

Nightmare: Minnesota Vikings trade down and that team selects a lineman

The Vikings possess only four picks in the entire draft. One of those being the 24th pick - directly in front of the Texans. They are the most likely team in the first round to trade back and reload on picks. Any one of the Rams, Lions, Chiefs, or Commanders could trade up and snag a lineman before the Texans inevitably do at 25. Ideally, the Vikings trade with a team needing a QB and all is forgiven.

Dream: Kelvin Banks Jr falls to the Texans at 25

Multiple offensive lineman falling in the draft is the Texans biggest and best dream. Pie in the sky, shooting for the stars. A month ago, Texas Longhorn Kelvin Banks Jr. was a top five pick. He has been available in both the SB Nation Mock Draft and the live Discord Mock Draft I took part in two weeks ago.

Nightmare: A run on capable WRs occurs in Round 2

This WR class is this and lacks elite talent at the top too. Even this class’ top prospect Tetairoa McMillan has serious detractors. That lack of talent could actually lead to a run on the most capable ones in the early second round due to scarcity. If the Texans select an offensive tackle in the first and the receivers start coming off the board early on day two, they may need to wait until more well-rounded but low-ceiling prospects are available in the fifth round.

Dream: Texans find a long-term starting running back to replace Mixon and Pierce

This running back class is among the best in the past decade. There are seven running backs I have ranked above ANYONE in last year’s class. Ashton Jeanty, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, DJ Giddens, Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, and Kaleb Johnson are all elite RBs that will start in the league. There’s arguably 15 future NFL running backs in this class; almost one for half of the league. Houston doesn’t have an urgent need at running back, but Pierce is a free agent after this season and Mixon will be 30. It’s high time the Texans invested in this position.

Nightmare: Texans use their extra third round pick as draft capital to move up

Houston received a third round pick in their trade with the Commanders for Laremy Tunsil. This draft pick will always be synonymous with the pick, among the others. GM Nick Caserio is elite at finding talent in the third round: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Christian Harris, and Calen Bullock are all starters for the Texans. If they choose to incorporate that pick in a trade package to move up in the first or second round, they could lose out on the chance to add another starter.

Dream: Texans land one of their Top 30 Visit Defensive Tackles in the Third Round.

The ‘Top 30 Visits’ are the players the team requests in-person meetings with the weeks before the draft. They’ve usually considered top considerations or smoke screens. Here’s who they’ve met with on the d-line:

• Kenneth Grant, Michigan - mid-round 1
• TJ Sanders, South Carolina - round 2
• Shemar Turner, Texas A&M - round 2-3
• Tyleik Williams, Ohio State - late round 1, early round 2
• Alfred Collins, Texas - round 2
• Joshua Farmer, Florida State - round 4

This defensive line class is the deepest group in the draft. Outside of Grant and Farmer, this group is full of second round prospects. If any one of them are available in the third, it would give the Texans another valuable asset on the defensive front. My personal favorite is South Carolina’s TJ Sanders, who I selected in the third round in my previous mock.

Nightmare: Seven lineman go before the Texans 25th pick

Those most likely would be: Will Campbell, Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr., Grey Zabel, Josh Simmons, Donovan Jackson, and Josh Conerly Jr. That would leave Tyler Booker as the only bona-fide first round talent left. Booker is a wall of a human, but athletically limited. Houston would benefit from having multiple options of lineman in the first round so they can select “their guy”.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/18/24406618/dreams-and-nightmares-texans-2025-draft

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Reacts Results: Draft Pre-Results Edition

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

We asked, and here’s what y’all think of the Texans’ upcoming draft.

A while back, never mind how long ago exactly, we asked y’all a pair of questions about what you thought the Houston Texans would do in this year’s draft, based on the odds given by FanDuel.

So without waiting any longer than necessary, since y’all have waited long enough, here are the results of those poll questions.

Based on the results, the overwhelming majority of y’all want either an offensive lineman or wide receiver. Despite certain national football writers for The Athletic, and their cursory coverage of Texans’ draft needs, those of us who watch the Texans, many of us who do so on purpose even, see where the real team needs are at.

As for the other question, let’s get to that as well.

A lot of you seem to think the Texans plan to make at least one or more trades up in the draft order to get the offensive lineman or wide receiver of our collective dreams.

It’s not hard to see, considering how much draft capital got moved in DeMeco/Caserio’s first year together to get Will Anderson on top of their pick for C.J. Stroud. Will it happen? We’ll find out in 100 hours, give or take.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/20/24412585/texans-reacts-results-draft-pre-results-edition

 

[Houston Texans]

Top Five RB Draft Targets for the Houston Texans

Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

What tailbacks should Houston be targeting in this year’s draft?

The Houston Texans got Joe Mixon last year, and he transformed the ground game into a Pro-Bowl caliber unit. He has been worth the investment, but at the same time, Dameon Pierce sank into the deep fog of the depth chart, witnessing his road back to live-game snaps dwindling with each passing month.

After an explosive rookie campaign in 2022, Pierce has sort of vanished behind his new teammates, and 2025 might just be the year Nick Caserio calls it quits and takes another running back in the NFL Draft. Young tailbacks aren’t given much leeway in the NFL, so I have to imagine that Caserio is eyeing up the rookie running back class in search of resetting that contract clock. Good running backs on rookie contracts are the envy of the league, and Caserio won’t hesitate to find his next diamond in the rough. But who could that be? Well, I’ve got a few ideas!

An important note: this list is not meant to accurately list the “top five running backs of the 2025 NFL Draft.” If so, UNC back Omarion Hampton and Boise State back Ashton Jeanty would occupy the top spots. This is more of a personal list of running backs that I think could really help Houston’s offense and will be worth targeting in the middle-to-late rounds of the Draft. that I think will be available when the Texans are on the clock. I tried to include a healthy mix of prospects in this list, ranging from top 50 picks all the way down to fifth and sixth-round sleepers.

Currently, the Houston Texans hold seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft:

1. Round 1, No. 25
2. Round 2, No. 58
3. Round 3, No. 79 (from Dolphins through Eagles and Commanders)
4. Round 3, No. 89
5. Round 5, No. 166 (from Bills)
6. Round 7, No. 236 (From Broncos though Eagles and Commanders)
7. Round 7, No. 241

I sincerely believe general Nick Caserio would never consider taking a running back in the first round, but I could see all other selections being up for grabs. Running backs are often taken in rounds two, three, and four of the Draft, so picks 58, 79, and 89 took center stage in my selection process. Not all of the players listed will be taken within this range, but many of them will. Okay, on to the list!

Honorable Mentions: Jordan James (Oregon), Jaydon Blue (Texas), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)

5. Jo’quavious (Woody) Marks, USC​

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

• Height: 5’ 10”
• Weight: 207 lbs.
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.54 s; 10-Yard Split: 1.57 s; Vertical Jump: 35”
• 2024 Statistics: 12 Games, 198 Attempts for 1,133 Rushing Yards (5.7 YPA), 9 Rushing TDs, 47 Receptions for 321 Yards

I’ve gone back and forth on giving Woody Marks the fifth spot on this list or awarding it to another scat back, Oregon’s Jordan James. After some consideration, I’ve given Marks the edge on here due to his (very) slightly larger size and because of the moves he made against good defenses like Penn State and Minnesota’s. Primarily a gap runner, Marks uses his strengths in vision and acceleration to blast through the hole and make big gains in a hurry. His 40-yard dash time of 4.54 seconds isn’t going to blow you away, but he’s got enough speed to make an impact.

Although, like many other scat backs, Marks can have the problem of being a “one-speed” runner, unable to shift into another gear when being pursued by a defender. He’s also not a very thick player at all, so his chances of navigating a crowded field at the next level while keeping his feet on the ground are diminished. But, we’ve seen smaller, lighter backs like Devin Singletary and De’Von Achane succeed in the NFL, so there’s still plenty of reason to believe Woody Marks can be Houston’s future third-down back. But, where will he be drafted? Well, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projects Marks being taken in the fifth round, making him a perfect target with Houston’s No. 166 pick.

4. Devin Neal, Kansas​

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images

• Height: 5’ 11”
• Weight: 213 lbs.
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 s; 10-Yard Split: 1.59 s; Vertical Jump: 37.5”
• 2024 Statistics: 12 Games, 219 Attempts for 1,266 Rushing Yards (5.8 YPA), 16 Rushing TDs, 24 Receptions for 254 Yards, 1 Receiving TD

Another scat back not dissimilar from Woody Marks, I’ve placed Devin Neal a little higher because of his more prolific career and greater consistency. Neal was the engine to a very productive Kansas offense the last three years, garnering 5,054 total yards at 6.0 average yards per touch in his four-year career. Not the sort of high-end production you’re used to seeing from the University of Kansas, but hometown prospect Devin Neal was hell bent on changing that stigma against the school not being a location for football, and I’d say he succeeded.

It’s hard to find bad tape of Devin Neal. He’s smart and capable of finding rushing lanes in traffic, hard to tackle due to it slightness and agility, and only needs a little space to really get going. Although, like Woody Marks, you have to wonder if his size and rather mediocre dodge moves will be able to handle the bigger and faster NFL, and he doesn’t really have a top-gear to reach once sprinting downfield. He gets up to a pretty impressive speed quickly, but he’s not going to get any faster. Despite this, the production alone makes him a very intriguing prospect, and I’d be happy to see Houston go after him in the fourth or fifth rounds.

3. Damien Martinez. Miami​

Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images

• Height: 6’ 0”
• Weight: 217 lbs.
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.51 s; 10-Yard Split: 1.56 s; Vertical Jump: 35”
• 2024 Statistics: 13 Games, 159 Attempts for 1,002 Rushing Yards (6.3 YPA), 10 Rushing TDs, 17 Receptions for 204 Yards

If you’re looking for a bruising back in the middle rounds, this is the guy. With a thick frame to compliment his aggressive style, Martinez is a joy to watch from Oregon State in 2022 to Miami in 2024. He isn’t as fast or explosive at the other backs on this list, but he’s got enough moves to win in between the tackles, and he’s quite the challenge to bring down for any defender. He’s got a flair about him that’ll remind you of James Conner, which I personally think Houston could use more of.

Martinez represents a bruising back that has become a bit of a rarity around Houston in recent years. Mixon has brought that violent style of rushing back to the city, but you can’t expect him to last forever. if Houston is still looking for a running back once day three of the draft is upon us, Damien Martinez can be a target as a potential running back of the future.

2. Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech​

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

• Height: 5’ 9”
• Weight: 206 lbs.
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.32 s; 10-Yard Split: 1.49 s; Vertical Jump: 40.5”
• 2024 Statistics: 11 Games, 183 Attempts for 1,159 Rushing Yards (6.3 YPA), 15 Rushing TDs, 23 Receptions for 81 Yards, 2 Receiving TDs

This could be the 2025 version of Dameon Pierce, which would be great in its own right, but I see a future much brighter for Bhayshul Tuten. Crammed into a 5’ 9”, 206 lbs. frame is one of the most athletic backs of the 2025 Draft, Tuten impressed at the combine when he finished with a 4.32 s 40-yard dash, a 40.5” vertical jump, and a 4.41 s 20-yard shuttle. Talk about jumping out of the gym!

He’s incredibly fast, which mixes well with his feet and cutting ability. Against Miami, Boston College, and Virginia, Tuten flashed his intense cutting abilities, making defenders look lost in open space. Fumbles are a concern, and he’s not a miracle worker that will break every first tackle attempt, but the success he had in both zone and gap schemes in college makes me a believer in his chances of adapting to the NFL. If Houston is looking for a tailback with the body of Dameon Pierce and the collegiate tape of an NFL starter, then Bhayshul Tuten should be on their board come third round. If he can keep making the first defender miss, he’ll have a very bright future in the NFL.

1. TreVeyeon Harrison, Ohio State​

Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

• Height: 5’ 10”
• Weight: 202 lbs.
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.43 s; 10-Yard Split: 1.52 s; Vertical Jump: 38.5”
• 2024 Statistics: 16 Games, 144 Attempts for 1,016 Rushing Yards. 7.1 YPA), 10 Rushing TDs, 27 Receptions for 284 Yards, 1 Receiving TD

This is easily my favorite running back prospect on the draft. It may seem a bit odd that I’ve placed the national champions’ third-down back at the top spot instead of their bell cow back, Quinshon Judkins. Judkins is a great option in this draft class full of tailbacks, one that even mirrors Houston’s own Joe Mixon more so than Henderson, but...I just can’t help it. Henderson is just too complete of a player to pass up. The Texans are in desperate need of a secondary running back that can keep the defense guessing and give the rushing attack a change of pace when need be, and TreVeyon Henderson is the answer. He fills that third down scatback hole perfectly, possessing exceptional speed, serious receiving potential, and fantastic pass-blocking skills. For a 5’ 10” running back, you wouldn’t expect him to be so strong and balanced at the point of attack, but he makes pass blocking look easy. So, you’re telling me he can make the run game better, the pass game better, and he’s a former teammate of current Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud? Sign me up!

The one catch with TreVeyon Henderson is that he’s the only running back on this list that is guaranteed to be taken in the first or second round. He’s been a popular prospect among NFL scouts and analysts, and his demand has only risen with time. If the Texans were to take him, it would either be through luck of him falling to pick No. 58 in round two, make an exceptional (and unacceptable) reach for him at pick No. 25, or trade to a spot somewhere in between. Is he worth trading current or future draft capital?

Well, maybe he is, but in the context of this draft class, I think I’d take the risk of waiting at pick 58 rather than trade other picks to move up a few spots. It’s hard to say this after showering praise on Henderson, but since this draft class has a healthy selection of players like him (several of which I highlighted here), I think Houston would still be able to find a competent third-down back even if TreVeyon is taken before they have a chance. There’s a chance Houston won’t even need to worry about him falling past forties. But, if he does, I will be pleading on my knees to the television like it were some sort of altar, begging for my wish of a Stroud/Henderson backfield to come true. He would open up a new world of opportunities for Houston’s offense under Nick Caley.

---

There’s a lot of bigger problems with the offense in 2025, such as the offensive line or wide receivers, but you can never have enough good running backs. Joe Mixon was not a perfect back last year, and what the Texans have behind him isn’t inspiring. It’s no secret that Dameon Pierce has not been the revelation many (including me) thought he was, so it might be time to start looking for a plan B. Not only that, but this draft is filled to the brim with electric running backs, it would be a crime not to take one! If there was an opportunity for Houston to bounce off of Dameon Pierce and prepare for a future beyond Joe Mixon, it’s in this draft. Only time will tell if they take advantage of the wealth of options between the second and fifth rounds.

What do you think, though? Are you like me and scratching for another young tailback with starter potential, or are you comfortable with the running back room Houston has created? Let us know down in the comments below!

GO TEXANS!!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/21/24411042/top-five-rb-draft-targets-for-the-houston-texans

 

[Houston Texans]

Battle Red Blog Groupthink: Texans Trade Up or Down in Draft?

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Houston has been a mover and shaker in the draft in the past, but can they do it again this year?

Before the NFL Draft officially kicks off this Thursday, I took a moment to ask the Battle Red Blog masthead to examine their thoughts on how Houston will approach the first round. The Texans possess the 25th pick in the NFL draft. General Manager Nick Caserio has been one of the most aggressive movers throughout the draft. He has move up more than any other GM in the NFL since he took over for the Texans in 2021.

With that, I’ve asked the following question to the writers to get a sense if they believe Caserio will make another move this Thursday:

It is draft week! Do you think the Texans should trade up for a top offensive line talent and use draft capital from this year and next or do you think they’d be better off trading back like last year?​

l4blitzer:​

I am not so sure that Houston should trade up. What they most need (interior offensive line) likely will be available late 1st/early 2nd. Do I necessarily expect Houston to stand pat on Nights 1 and 2? No, I don’t. A trade up or down wouldn’t shock me. Granted, if there is a talent they really, really want, and the price isn’t too exorbitant to pay, they should go for it. I think Caserio has bought some credibility on his trade results. Otherwise, I would be fine trading out of the 1st for more draft ammo, especially next season, as Houston will need greater value players once they gen up the extensions for Anderson and Stroud.

The Houston Texans have the 25th pick in the first round and could become candidates to trade up in the draft thanks to an influx of picks. https://t.co/CHqTxoUXHU

— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) April 12, 2025

VBallRetired:​

I like sticking where you are at. I think there’s enough talent there where you don’t have to make a panic move. This team has multiple offensive needs so they don’t HAVE to draft a lineman. Obviously, they know their draft board better than any of us, so if there is a guy there in the high teens or low twenties that’s vastly superior to everyone else then it’s okay to jump, but that’s not my personal read on this draft.

Patrick.H:​

If our options are trading up or trading down and not just staying where we are, I think we ought to trade down just on principle alone. Trading down for more picks means more chances to nail a prospect, more darts at the board means a better chance of hitting the bullseye, you know? If staying where we are is an option I’m firmly in that camp unless Caserio is offered a deal that’s simply too good to pass up. It’s basic as hell, I know, but I’m a basic guy and this is not really the kind of draft where you’d take that big a swing on an offensive line prospect, from what I understand this has been a pretty weak OL class so it’s not really worth the moonshot.

Kenneth L. ​

It’s an intriguing question because I don’t imagine the Texans will stay at 25. They need to either go get a lineman who may not be available at 25 or accumulate draft capital to move around better. I think the Texans will move up with some of their 2026 draft capital. The second round pick next year acquired in the Laremy Tunsil trade with the Commanders could be used to acquire Kelvin Banks if he falls into the 20s. If multiple offensive lineman fall in the draft, then sure they can move back and still select a starting guard like Grey Zabel, Tyler Booker, or Donovan Jackson.

FizzyJoe​

Even though I’d be getting antsy to trade up for a top-end tackle like Kelvin Banks if he were to start dropping, like I advocated for in the SB Nation Mock Draft, I think I’d rather see the Texans sit and wait at their current draft position. There’s a lot of good tackles and guard available this year, and there’ll certainly be a good one waiting at 25, whether it be Tyler Booker, Josh Conerly, or Donovan Jackson.

However, even though there will be options, the need for a good rookie lineman is so great that I wouldn’t want Houston to trade back, either. They need either a starter or someone that can play 500+ snaps in 2025, and the chances of them finding that by trading down will gradually dwindle. The potential for a run on the best lineman in the late first or early second round is high, so I wouldn’t want Houston to give up their spot in case pickings become slim early on.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...g-groupthink-texans-trade-up-or-down-in-draft

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Reacts Survey: Impact Rookies

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

How many impact rookies will this man draft this year?

Since we’re on a quick week, I can’t imagine why, we wanted to get this poll out to you as soon as we could about rookie impact picks, brought to you, again, by FanDuel.

So what do you think, Texans fans? How many do we get out of this year’s draft? Let us know in the poll below.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Houston Texans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/4/22/24413917/texans-reacts-survey-impact-rookies

 

[Houston Texans]

Totally Not Fake News: The “real” story of the Houston Texans’ offseason moves to date

Caserio on the prowl thinking...or waiting for his office to yet again get cleanup by the biohazard crew | Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

So this is totally how it happened…honestly…

HOUSTON - The 2025 NFL Year is two months along. For the 32 NFL franchises, the action has been fast and furious. So it was with the Houston Texans. Yet, we, the general public, really didn’t know what was going on with the inner workings of the Texans, or how they came to the decisions that they did…until now. Using our crack investigative team, and advanced technical means that are in no way unethical or might cause attendees at Black Hat to flinch, we got insider dirt on how this all went down.

When we talked with some unnamed staffers, and reassured them repeatedly that we would never leak their browser search history (so far as they know), they gave us quite the insider tale.

“Well, you see…you sure you won’t reveal that I like to surf [REDACTED] and check out [REDACTED]? Ok…well, it all started not too long after the season ended. [Texans owner Cal] Mr. McNair and his wife [Hannah McNair] were talking about how to improve upon the team. They knew that they couldn’t spend profligately, so they needed to tell [GM Nick] Caserio to be efficient and smart. So, we go this from Cal...

‘I know’ exclaimed Cal. ‘Let’s bring in DOGE! That’ll work!’

‘Cal? Honey? Dear…I thought we talked about not doing stupid [KITTEN] anymore…you know HE isn’t around…’

‘Relax. If it is good enough for the government, it is good enough for us. Besides, I heard at the owner meetings that Tennessee was wanting to be the first to…’

‘Hold IT!! That skank Strunk said WHAT!?!?!? FINE, bring in DOGE!!! Show up that [KITTENING] [KITTEN]!!!’

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
All about efficiency...and getting over the BE-SFs at all costs.

The staffer continued:

“So, Cal brought in a “DOGE consultant. Figured by his screen name he must have been doing all that work in DC.”

“What was the name?” Our reporter interjected.

“We just called him by his LinkedIn screen name…GrabDem[KITTEN]. Guy set up an office near Nick. Not sure Caserio necessarily liked it, but he did deal with Jack Easterby all in his business for over a year.”

“So what did uh Grab, er, the guy recommend?”

The staffer went on:

“Interestingly enough, GrabDem was all about saving money. Called for firing all the offensive linemen, looking to save the Texans some money. Thought it might translate into a bonus for him.”

“Well, you saw what happened right as free agency kicked off. Depending on which accountant you talked to, we only had about a million (US Dollars) or so in cap space. We cut Shaq Mason, saved $2M. Traded away Kenyon Green, getting a draft pick and a defensive stalwart. Let guys like Eric Murray walk, Got Nico Collins to restructure. Savings reigned supreme.”

“Then we came to Tunsil. GrabDem wanted to outright fire him. Recommended that at 11 p.m. on a Saturday. Caserio, however, wasn’t buying. Sure, Tunsil carried the largest cap hit on the roster, and he didn’t have the best of seasons. Yet, to trade him? Caserio did get a number of draft picks. Didn’t get the replacement 1st rounders, but after Watson, can’t always hit Double-Zero back-to-back. Tunsil wasn’t thrilled at first, but when we told him that Maryland is a bit more liberal with CBD and he wouldn’t have to look over his shoulder for Andre Ware with a machete asking about another false start…he was good.”

Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Free from the threat of Andre Ware!!!!!

“Interesting, so that explains a lot of the early moves?” Our reporter countered.

The staffer went on:

“Well, it seemed so at first. I mean, we let Eric Murray go. I know that (Defensive Coordinator Matt) Burke was so-so on the move, but he understood it as a business decision. However, Caserio and Burke seemed to go out of their way to keep GrabDem away from (Head Coach DeMeco) Ryans.”

When asked why, the staffer gave us a James-Harden side-eye and noted “Uh, you do know what Ryans has done to the last few ‘disappeared’ staffers?”

Admittedly, our people did hear rumors about several staffers suffering soul-killing injuries via multiple German Suplexes, ump-teen Spears and something called a Killer Kowalski Special…still, we only thought them rumors.

“Yeah, you only think they’re rumors.” retorted the staffer.

“So, anyway, back to the off-season. Houston is on a cost-cutting spree…only to then go wild…on the contract extensions. You saw the extension for Stingley. Reset the market, and made the DOGE dude cry in his Cybertruck. Then the Hunter extension…sure, all reasonable in the sense of decent extensions and it will get ahead of the market, but Mr. GrabDem DOGE-y was beside himself…screamed that Caserio had gone all [KITTEN]…but he ignored it.”

When asked how Caserio handled that, the response:

“Eh, he heard far worse from Belichick in New England…anyways, then things got even stranger…Then CJ [Stroud] calls. I don’t have the exact transcript, but I think that it went something like ‘Hey, Mr. Caserio. Just feel so blessed. First, want to thank God, ‘cause through him all things are possible. I just know He is working through you to help get me a good offensive line. I mean, I don’t know why you let Tunsil go, and why we spent all that money on defenders. But, as I trust Him, I’ll trust that He is working through you…’

After that call, suddenly, Houston signs all the offensive linemen to bargain deals. Robinson, half the O-line from the 2024 Vikings, two fat guys working the food truck down the street. Think what Caserio did with all of those linebackers back in 2021.”

When asked about how the staffer took this move, the staffer replied:

“Well, the DOGE guy said he could appreciate the lower prices, but he also opined that he could devise a system for the team to win without spending so much money on players. Said he would use some A1 programming to create offensive protection.”

“You mean, AI?”

“Nope. He kept repeating A1. Grok A1 is the key, etc. Still, I guess Nick and Burke were tolerating this…”

“What do you mean ‘were’? Did the DOGE consultant get fired or something?”

“Well, maybe fired isn’t the right word…You see, after all of the moves undertaken without DOGE approval, GrabDem got a little [KITTEN]hurt. Thus, demanded that everyone on the coaching staff provide him, GrabDem[KITTEN], weekly bullet points on why Houston shouldn’t fire them. At this point, Caserio and Burke just had enough. They took him to meet Coach Ryans.”

Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
“You want me to provide WHAT?!?!?!”

“GrabDem barely had time to utter anything when Ryans roared ‘YOU WANTED ME TO GET RID OF AUTRY?!?!? YOU WANTED ME TO WEAKEN MY DEFENSE!?!? I NEED A BETTER DEFENSE. BETTER!!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!?!?! I DON’T CARE HOW MUCH IT COSTS!!!! WHAT PART OF THIS DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!?!?! OH, AND YOU THINK I NEED TO GIVE YOU FIVE BULLET POINTS? I GOT FIVE WEAPONS: TWO FISTS, TWO FEET, AND A HEAD FULL OF STEEL AND RAGE!!! TRY ME MOTHER[KITTEN]!!!!’”

“GrabDem blubbered something efficiency…or at least he tried. Right up until Matt Burke popped in, commenting ‘Hey, GrabDem, why do you tell them that when we traded Kenyon Green, when you said a real head coach could’ve gotten Jalen Carter and a 3rd, not the lame 6th and Johnson?’”

“GrabDem only had time to go ‘Wha’ before Ryans leapt across the room and went absolutely berserk. I’d heard about what an angry Ryans could do, but sweet [DURGA], what Ryans did that day…roundhouse kicks, upcuts, every finishing move from Wrestlemania XVIII, a pair of pliers and a blowtorch…(staffer involuntarily shudders). Oh, and the screams…oh, the screams. At one point, the action got so brutal that Caserio had to enter Ryans’s office again.”

“What did Caserio do?”

“Just told him that this time, the office cleaning would come out of his salary. Ryans looked up for a moment, rage upon rage in his eyes…then he just nodded and went back to work.”

“Well, that is how it went down…at least as much as I know. Now, about that browser history…”

“Oh, did Cal say anything?”

“Cal? Nah! Don’t think he knows. Caserio just told Hannah that the guy was done. Told her we saved more money than the Titans, and she was happy. End of story.”

So, as the Texans gear up for the draft, questions remain. Who will Houston draft? Will the Texans further add to its defense? What are the cap ramifications? Can the organization go a few weeks without another massive bio-hazard clean-up? Stay tuned.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/2025/...of-the-houston-texans-offseason-moves-to-date