Texans Analyst Predicts Trade Up Options for Houston in First Round

TL;DR

As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, the Houston Texans are considering trade-up options, particularly for an offensive tackle. Analyst Jared Koch suggests Georgia's Monroe Freeling as a potential target for the Texans.

Key points

Houston Texans considering trade-up options for 2026 NFL draft
Analyst suggests targeting offensive tackle Monroe Freeling
Strategic allocation of picks is crucial for the Texans

Monroe FreelingJared KochHouston TexansPittsburgh

Texans Analyst Predicts Trade Up Options for Houston in First Round

Trade up rumors are heating up as NFL teams near the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh. Like several other teams, the Houston Texans are being mentioned as a possible trade up team this offseason.

The Texans will have to be smart in how they allocate their picks, but if there is an opportunity to get the right player at the right position, it may be tough for Houston to pass up a trade opportunity. One NFL analyst has an idea of a position that could be worth trading up for this April.

Jared Koch of Houston Texans on SI writes that the Texans could trade up for an offensive tackle. Koch names Georgia lineman Monroe Freeling as a good choice.

"One of the draft class' biggest risers, Georgia's Monroe Freeling would be a perfect long-term option for the Texans to plug in at right tackle. He's only 21 years old, coming off an All-SEC season starting for the Bulldogs with great length, athleticism, and the raw tools to be a great NFL tackle with the ideal development setup.

Odds are, Freeling's stock has trended as high as the top half of the first round. So the Texans would need to be extremely aggressive in a trade up situation if they were interested in his services. He'd definitely answer some major questions on their offensive line, though."