Houston Texans Mock Draft Based Solely On Pre-Draft Visits

Round 2, Pick 59: Connor Lew, OC – Auburn

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** Combine interview Houston lands their center at the end of the second round. I believe center will go earlier than analysts predict. Lew sustained an ACL tear mid season and may not be able to start the year, but he is young, strong, and experienced. In my draft profile of Lew, I said he was an “extremely fluid mover and has high-end awareness of what’s occurring around him”. While there were significant flaws that need to be addressed, he presents the athleticism and power to play in Houston’s system long-term.

Round 3, Pick 69: Mike Washington, RB – Arkansas

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** Combine interview Washington was featured in my first mock draft of the season … but in round five. Now, Washington is RB3 in a weak class. My initial analysis was that he “He carries his large frame well and is a pure downhill rusher. He ran primarily outside zone and dive at Arkansas which should fit in well in Houston’s scheme.” Many of those points still ring true in his full analysis, but I’ve gained greater appreciation for his straight-line speed and smoothness when he sees the hole develop. The biggest concern will be stopping him from fumbling as he had four in 2025 alone.

Round 4, Pick 106: Jalon Kilgore, DB – South Carolina

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** South Carolina’s Pro Day Kilgore is a strong safety/nickel defensive back who is all instinct, no technique. He made his money staring down QBs and picking off passes in a defense that allowed him to freelance. He competes with a physical play style and toughness that fits the defense. He’ll backup Jalen Pitre for the short term until he finds a designated home within the defense.

Round 5, Pick 141: Joe Royer, TE – Cincinatti

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** Combine interview Royer flamed out at Ohio State, but found his footing in the Big 12 in his hometown university. Royer has the size and finesse to be a consistent TE2 in the NFL, but needs to improve his blocking technique to see the field more in his first two seasons. A zone-based safety valve, Royer can break down defenses as a hands catcher to turn and gain yards upfield. It will be a competitive tight end room for Royer, but there’s a roster spot there if he can earn it.

Round 5, Pick 167: Tyren Montgomery, WR – John Carrol University

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** Texans’ local Pro Day By far the best story of this draft cycle, Montgomery was the bell of the ball at the Senior Bowl… after getting called up last minute. He grew up in the Woodlands, which is why he was able to secure a local workout. He never played a snap of high school football. He walked on to LSU’s basketball team, but left the program during COVID to help his family. His brother helped convince him to play football, and the rest is history. He’s a natural pass catcher and long strider, Montgomery possesses deep play-making ability with upside to improve as a route runner.

Round 7, Pick 243: J**osh Gesky**, OG – Illinois

• **Pre-Draft Meeting:** Private workout and Illinois’ Pro Day Gesky was left out of the NFL Combine, but he absolutely dominated the Pro Day. He would have finished in the top six in four different categories if he participated. Gesky is a strong, large, and technical offensive guard with the potential to immediately compete with Jarrett Patterson as the swing guard. He has experience at both guard spots, but played primarily left. Gesky is a powerful run blocker who works well in a phone booth, but will need to max out his athleticism to withstand speed rushers at the next level.