The Houston Texans have updated their offensive depth chart ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, following a 12-win season. Key offseason moves include the addition of Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Braden Smith, along with trading for running back David Montgomery.
What should fans expect from the Houston Texans entering 2026?
The AFC South franchise is fresh off its 12-win season since 2012, following a dominant run from the defensive front. The only problem? The Texans are 0-3 in divisional round playoff games since the run of the DeMeco Ryans era started in 2023.
Houston seems to be all-in for the 2026 season with Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud entering a prove-it year as QB1. Offseason moves made included shoring up the offensive line with Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller and Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith. They also traded for David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions and restructured his deal.
Defensively, Houston brought back Sheldon Rankins for the defensive line and bolstered the secondary with the arrival of Reed Blankenship from Philadelphia. They also signed Logan Hall from Tampa Bay to bolster the run defense while bringing back E.J. Speed as linebacker depth.
So, what does the roster look like headed into the draft?
Let's dive in and see the newest additions, plus how they will fit into the lineup.
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Quarterback
Starter: C.J. Stroud
Backups: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs onto the field for first half against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs onto the field for first half against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
Running Backs
Starter: David Montgomery
Backups: Woody Marks, Jawhar Jordan, British Brooks
Nov 2, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch against Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch against Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) runs with the ball after a reception during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) runs with the ball after a reception during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (79) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (79) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Offensive Tackle
Starters: Braden Smith, Aireontae Ersery
Backups: Trent Brown, Blake Fisher
Sep 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Jake Andrews (60) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jul 24, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Jake Andrews (60) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
What significant changes did the Texans make to their offensive line for the 2026 season?
The Texans added Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Braden Smith to strengthen their offensive line.
Who is the Texans' starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season?
C.J. Stroud is set to be the starting quarterback for the Texans in the 2026 season.
What players did the Texans acquire during the offseason for the 2026 season?
The Texans traded for running back David Montgomery and signed Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, Reed Blankenship, and Logan Hall.
How has the Texans' playoff performance been since the start of the DeMeco Ryans era?
The Texans are 0-3 in divisional round playoff games since the DeMeco Ryans era began in 2023.
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