2026 Texans mock draft roundup: A new consensus top player for Houston

Texans Wire will release its final mock draft on Tuesday, but our pick comes from the one set by from the universal draft selection with the USA Today Network.

Sep 6, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) reacts after a defensive stop against the Austin Peay Governors in the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. - Georgia DL Christen Miller

From Kiper: "Why would the Texans go defense? Yes, it's their strength, but they need to keep it their strength. Smart teams plan ahead. And having the chance to put a disruptive interior lineman between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is exciting. Miller is active and quick, and he keeps getting better. With opponents focused on stopping Anderson and Hunter, Miller could get pressure inside and make some plays in the backfield. He had 7.5 tackles for loss over the past two years."

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (DL21) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ESPN's Field Yates - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

From Yates: "Houston could use more youth at defensive tackle, and McDonald was the best at his position against the run in 2025. His sturdy frame and power make him a tough player to move around."

Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) blocks Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Trevion Williams (23) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

ESPN's Peter Schrager - Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor

From Schrager: "One of the players with the biggest upside in this class, Iheanachor is still relatively new to football. The Nigerian-born tackle got to the United States when he was 13 years old and picked up the sport in just the past few years. Still growing and learning, he could be a home run pick if a team is patient and capitalizes on his upside. Houston is always looking for talent on its O-line as the front office works through another makeover of the unit."

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) blocks the rush during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah - Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis

From Jeremiah: "There are a lot of similarly graded interior offensive linemen that I have in the second-round range. I have a feeling one of them is going climb into Round 1. In this case, Houston stays in state to add Bisontis."

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

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein - Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr.

From Zierlein: "Hill is fast, can rush or cover on third down and is a very good tackle finisher who rarely misses assignments in the run game. Both Texans starting linebackers (Henry To'oTo'o and Azeez Al-Shaair) are free agents after 2026; however, Hill should be able to supplant To'oTo'o this year."

Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (OL35) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ESPN's Matt Miller - Clemson OT Blake Miller

From Miller: "Signing 30-year-old Braden Smith to a two-year contract solves Houston's right tackle need for the moment, but the Texans' plan to build a young (and inexpensive) offensive line around C.J. Stroud is still in place. Miller started 54 college games at right tackle and improved every season, allowing only two sacks in 2025. With 34-inch arms and a strong base to block from, Miller profiles as a solid starter with higher-end potential as he develops his run-blocking talents."

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.

Texans Wire's Cole Thompson - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

From Thompson: "Houston is known for trading back and given the Cardinals' potential need to target Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, that’s very much in play. However, if there's one player who might stand pat, it's McDonald. The Buckeyes star is coming off one of the best seasons for a defensive tackle, racking up 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Two of his best games were against Texas and Miami, arguably two teams loaded with future NFL talent. Add in that he's only 21 and still growing, Houston could be getting a prospect who's yet to reach even his floor that already has Day 1 production that teams covet for their defensive lines. The Texans would probably love to land McDonald on Day 2, but if they feel like he's going to be out of the running to fall into Friday's second round, Nick Caserio might just pull the trigger and call it a day. McDonald is already one of the better run-stoppers in the class, which is exactly what Houston wants to pair behind pass-rushing specialist Tommy Togiai and Sheldon Rankins."

Nov 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) celebrates with offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) after a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz - Georgia Tech OL Keylan Rutledge

From Middlehurst-Schwartz: "Even after a concerted effort in free agency to fortify their offensive line, the Texans' work doesn't quite feel finished. Rutledge's unrelenting demeanor as a blocker could help Houston do a better job of setting the tone in the run game for new lead back David Montgomery."

Sep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) runs against Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) and defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

USA Today's Ayrton Ostly - Florida DL Caleb Banks

From Ostley: "Houston’s defense is one of the scariest units in the NFL and should be that once again in 2026 but they have a need on the interior. Banks could shore that up in a big way. A foot injury at the combine may drop his stock but he’s one of the best at the position in the class at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds."

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) gestures in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

USA Today's Nate Davis - Alabama QB Ty Simpson (pick made by Cardinals)

From Davis: " Could Arizona be the team that comes up for the highly scrutinized ‘Bama quarterback, though Simpson is still widely regarded as this draft’s clear-cut No. 2 passer? It could make sense given veteran Jacoby Brissett remains in place as an ideal bridge option, and the weapons are fairly plentiful when you've got the league's best receiving tight end (Trey McBride) and a solid group of backs and receivers − and that's potentially an understatement if Marvin Harrison Jr. blossoms.

Maybe the Cards need to jump the Jets at No. 33 and maybe not. But coming up here from No. 34 probably only costs GM Monti Ossenfort a fourth-rounder while also conferring the fifth-year option that comes with being a first-rounder.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (OL35) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The Athletic's Mike Jones - Clemson OT Blaker Miller

From Jones: "The Texans continue their upgrade of the offensive line with Miller. Yes, they signed veteran right tackle Braden Smith in free agency, but the former Indianapolis Colt has battled injury in recent years, and Miller gives the Texans the long-term answer at the position. At 6-7 and 317 pounds, he has great size. He is a four-year starter and has great durability. Paired with 2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery, who starts at left tackle, Houston now has its bookends of the future to help keep C.J. Stroud upright for years to come."

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) shown on the field pregame prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks - Clemson DT Peter Woods

From Brooks: "Slotting in a disruptive defensive tackle between a pair of All-Pro edge rushers (Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.) would make the Texans' defense even nastier."

Texas Tech's Lee Hunter prepares to play defense against BYU during a Big 12 Conference football game, Saturday, Nov. 8, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

CBS Sports Garrett Podell - Texas Tech DL Lee Hunter

From Podell:"Lee Hunter is a strong, wide defensive tackle, which made him an outstanding run defender at Texas Tech. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter can help improve his pass-rushing chops at the NFL level, and he can learn the ropes from Sheldon Rankins for a couple of years before being relied on more heavily during passing downs."

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) reacts before the 2025 Big Ten championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Alexander - Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald

From Alexander: "With McDonald being the best available player on the board, it made sense for Houston to take him here. Florida’s Caleb Woods was another option, but he suffered a broken foot at the combine. McDonald, who is 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, was one of the most productive defensive tackles in college football. He’s more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, which is exactly what the Texans need."

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) rushes the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice - Alabama OL Kaydn Proctor

From Tice: "General manager Nick Caserio loves his big school players. And Proctor is the literal biggest of big school players in this year’s draft class. Yes, the Texans signed offensive tackle Braden Smith to a two-year deal, but Smith has missed time essentially every season of his career. Proctor would be gigantic at the position, but he could start his career at guard and provide depth at tackle before kicking out down the road. The Texans should keep addressing their offensive line, and while a guard or center option would be preferable, adding beef of some sort, even if there is not a clean path right away, should not stop the Texans from adding a talented player at offensive line."

Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Peter Woods (11) celebrates after sacking Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.

Fox Sports Greg Auman - Clemson DT Peter Woods

From Auman: "This really should be an offensive line pick, but six of them are off the board already. Going defensive tackle makes much more sense if Sheldon Rankins isn’t re-signed in free agency. Houston will need to address their line, but can do so in the second or third round. To let the Texans get the second defensive tackle off the board is a rich-get-richer problem for the NFL."

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sports Illustrated's Gilbert Manzano - Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

From Manzano: "Iheanachor’s stock might have gone up recently after Patriots coach Mike Vrabel showed interest in working with him during his pro day. Iheanachor is a raw prospect, but the Texans have time to develop him after signing Braden Smith and getting promising results from 2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery."

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.

Athlon Sports Luke Easterling - Oho State DL Kayden McDonald

From Easterling: "The offensive line is Houston’s top priority, but after signing Braden Smith to replace Tytus Howard at right tackle, they could wait until Day 2 to address the interior. That could free them up to spend this pick on another high-upside weapon for DeMeco Ryans’ defense, bringing Banks’ massive frame and rare physical traits into a defense that’s built to maximize what he does well, with a coaching staff that will get the most out of his talent."

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) reacts before the 2025 Big Ten championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

From Feldman: "This is a need spot for Houston, and McDonald is a load against the run. He’s 6-2, 326, and just turned 21. McDonald was a force for the Buckeyes in 2025, making 65 tackles with nine TFLs and three sacks. He also forced two fumbles. Against Texas to start the season, he had eight tackles, the same as he had against Miami to finish the season. That’s a lot of production for an interior D-lineman."

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

NFL.com's Nick Shook - Utah OT Caleb Lomu

From Shook: "The Texans’ biggest weakness over the last two years has been their offensive line. GM Nick Caserio dedicated resources to it this offseason by signing guard Wyatt Teller and tackle Braden Smith, but why stop there? "

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.

Fox Sports' Rob Rang - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

From Rang: "In a case of the rich getting richer, the Texans boost one of the league’s dominant defenses with this year’s top interior lineman. Houston might be able to get McDonald at No. 28 overall, but they shouldn’t balk at giving up a Day 3 pick if it means ensuring they land one of the few nose guards with legitimate pass rush ability."

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.

Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer - Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald

From Iyer: "The Texans will keep piling on to their defense by addressing some of the weak spots. McDonald fills a big hole for adding more inside pass-rush po,p, including maintaining power run stopping."

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2026 Texans mock draft roundup: A new consensus top player for Houston