2026 NFL mock draft round-up: Who are Houston's picks in Rounds 2 and 3?

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) takes the field for the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.

ESPN's Matt Miller

• No. 38 - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald
• No. 59 - Miami DB Keionte Scott
• No. 91 - Auburn OL Connor Lew

From Miller on McDonald: "McDonald was a possibility for Houston in the first round. Giving coach DeMeco Ryans a space-eating nose tackle who was active enough to make 65 tackles last season almost seems unfair. With the starter-caliber offensive tackles off the board, this is an easy pick for Houston."

Sep 9, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after making a tackle against the Ball State Cardinals during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick

• No. 38 - Georgia DL Christen Miller
• No. 59 - Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun
• No. 91 - TCU LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr

From Flick on Miller: "Houston improved its interior offensive line with Keylan Rutledge in the first round, and it should continue bolstering its defensive line on Day 2. Miller blends power and athleticism to thrive against the run and flash on passing downs."

Sep 6, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

CBS Sports' Josh Edwards

• No. 38 - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald
• No. 59 -Missouri LB Joisah Trotter
• No. 91 - Kentucky OL Jalen Farmer

From Edwards on Trotter: "Houston gets a tough, instinctive linebacker to plug into DeMeco Ryans' defense."

Clemson defensive back Ronan Hanafin (5) is congratulated by cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) after his interception against Troy during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, September 6, 2025.

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner

• No. 38 - Clemson CB Avieon Terrell
• No. 59 -Michigan DE Derek Moore
• No. 91 - Florida OC Jake Slaughter

Baumgardner on Terrell: "The corners took a tumble again in this year’s draft, which is sort of becoming a theme. Terrell is another top-30 player on my board and could push for starting time immediately."

Oct 25, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (6) runs the ball as Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) makes the tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker

• No. 59 - Oklahoma DL Gracen Halten
• No. 63 (Via NE) - Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.

Locker on Hill Jr.: "With both Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o soon to be free agents, the Texans would be shrewd to pick a starting-caliber linebacker. With few such options remaining, Hill makes sense given his 79.7 PFF run-defense grade, 4.5% missed tackle rate and local ties."

Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) arrives with the team before the start of the G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Texans Wire's Cole Thompson

• No. 45**** (VIA BAL)** - Georgia DL Christen Miller
• No. 59 - Alabama WR Germie Bernad
• No. 80 (VIA BAL) - Auburn OL Connor Lew
• No. 91 (VIA BUF) - Ohio State TE Max Clare

From Thompson on Lew: *"*Rutledge could be viewed simply as a guard who is competing with Wyatt Teller for reps at left guard. That means that Lew could end up being the best player on the board. He was considered a fringe Day 1 prospect entering the year, but a torn ACL suffered in October stunted his draft stock. A team captain and two-year starter with the Tigers, the All-SEC lineman has been regarded as athletic and quick, and strong at the point of attack and capable of getting to the second level."

Sep 27, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Connor Lew (75) sets the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Athlon Sports Luke Easterling

• No. 38 - Alabama WR Germie Bernard
• No. 59 - Auburn OL Connor Lew
• No. 91 - Okahoma DL Gracen Halton

From Easterling:

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft round-up: Who are Houston's picks in Rounds 2 and 3?