The 2026 NFL Draft for the Houston Texans is set for April 23, focusing on strengthening the interior offensive line and defensive tackle positions. The team aims to improve their pass and run blocking performance.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft starts April 23
Texans need to strengthen interior offensive line
Current guards include Ed Ingram and Wyatt Teller
Texans ranked bottom three in pass and run blocking
Defensive tackle position also needs bolstering
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Houston Texans2026 NFL Draft
Houston Texans 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Houston Texans, the biggest need is an obvious one: Interior offensive line.
Solidifying the trenches must continue to be a priority for the Texans. Houston has guards Ed Ingram and Wyatt Teller along with Jake Andrews in the interior, but they need more depth at the position after they ranked in the bottom three in both pass block win rate and run block win rate, via ESPN. Additionally, the Texans could continue to bolster their defensive tackle position to complement their outstanding edge rush duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Here's everything you need to know about the Houston Texans for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.
Q&A
What are the Houston Texans' biggest needs for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Texans' biggest needs are in the interior offensive line and defensive tackle positions.
When does the 2026 NFL Draft start for the Houston Texans?
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23.
Who are the current interior offensive linemen for the Houston Texans?
The Texans currently have guards Ed Ingram and Wyatt Teller, along with Jake Andrews in the interior.
How did the Texans perform in pass and run blocking last season?
The Texans ranked in the bottom three for both pass block win rate and run block win rate.
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1 / 10
The 10 NFL teams with the most at stake in the 2026 draft
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Tyler Shough #6 of the New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave #12 celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders celebrates with Jayden Daniels #5 after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
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Jaxson Dart #6 and Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Skattebo carried the ball into the endzone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Head coach Brian Callahan talks with Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.
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Dak Prescott #4 and CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after their touchdown connection against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
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De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins rushes for yards against Brandin Echols #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of the game at Acrisure Stadium on December 15, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid interact against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Houston needs a big body in the middle of the defensive line to free up Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to wreak havoc on opposing offensive linemen. Banks brings size with impressive explosiveness for a player measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds. A foot injury at the combine could cause him to fall and the Texans may be able to sweep him up late in Round 1.
Houston Texans NFL Draft trade candidate: QB Davis Mills
Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:
The Texans should not touch their defense given the dominance the unit has displayed in recent years. Texans GM Nick Caserio has made it clear that he and the team have no intentions of trading quarterback C.J. Stroud this offseason, but what about Mills? Houston's backup quarterback has a solid resume: two years of starting experience, plus a 3-0 record filling in for Stroud in 2025. The Texans likely wouldn't recoup overly valuable draft picks in return for Mills, but there would be a few teams interested in trading for a more competent backup quarterback. Houston could go on to draft a quarterback this year to replace Mills, simultaneously preparing a contingency plan for a post-Stroud era in future years. The Texans' starter has regressed since his strong rookie season, and his playoff meltdowns are still fresh. If the Texans aren't convinced he'll bounce back, they should start planning ahead. Trading Mills gives them some of the leeway needed to do so.
