Texans updated offensive depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft

What does the roster look like headed into stage three of the offseason?

Let's dive in and see the newest additions following the draft, 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

Quarterback

Starter: C.J. Stroud

Backups: Davis Mills, Graham Mertz

No changes. Until Stroud leaves in free agency, he's QB1.

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, Noah Whittington*

Houston could be turning Montgomery into his former Lions counterpart, Jahmyr Gibbs, while naming Woody Marks the new No. 2. Montgomery was brought to Houston with the intent to start. It was why the team was willing to restructure his contract and give him a raise. He's going to be the workhorse that elevates a run that struggled mightily last fall. Marks be the primary backup, but that doesn't mean he won't see action. If anything, he'll play the role that Houston drafted him to play.

Whittington could be the next Brooks with a strong camp after a promising career in Eugene.

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

Wide Receivers

Starters: Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Tank Dell

Backups: Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Justin Watson, Lewis Bond, Treyvhon Saunders*, Daniel Sobkowitz*

No, Collins isn't going anywhere. Caserio told the reporter who came up with the trade rumors to literally shove it. After that, sights are on the return of Dell, who's been out for over 14 months while recovering from multiple leg surgeries. Can he return to his rookie form? Maybe, but Ryans and Caserio have been on a stern front that they won’t rush him back onto the field until he’s ready. Expecations are high for both Higgins and Noel entering Year 2 after decent results as the third and fourth options in the passing game.

Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) celebrates a play made by running back Jordan Marshall (23) against Ohio State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Tight End

Starter: Dalton Schultz

Backups: Brevin Jordan, Foster Moreau, Cade Stover, Luke Lachey, Marlin Klein

Analysis: Klein and Moreau are two of the biggest names to watch for throughout training camp. As a blocker, Moreau might end up being a lock to make the squad, even though he's limited as a receiver. As for Klein, even his family was shocked to see him land at No. 59 with Klein, but it feels like every year that Caserio seems to have one pick that just breaks the norm. The former Michigan product has untapped potential after dealing with injuries in his final college season, with some comparing his upside to that of George Kittle.

No, Klein won't turn into Kittle by the time his rookie season ends, but any sense of growth the 6-foot-6 tight end could end up being why Houston's offense feels content about the tight end spot long-term.

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, James Neal III*

No changes here following the draft. Ersery and Smith should be locked-down options on the outside for Nick Caley's offense.

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

Offensive Guards

Starters: Wyatt Teller, Ed Ingram

Backups: Keylan Rutledge, Febechi Nwaiwu, Evan Brown, Jarrett Patterson, Jarrett Kingston, Siddy Sow,

Both Teller and Ingram got paid this offseason. They are starting barring injuries come Week 1. The bigger question turns to whether Rultledge will see most of his reps in center drills or if he'll stick behind Teller for a year, learn the offense and eventually move into the starting role.

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu (54) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Center

Starter: Jake Andrews

Backups: Keylan Rutledge, Febechi Nwaiwu, Eli Cox

Rutledge and Nwaiwu were mostly guards in college, but the duo did take reps at center in a pinch, with the latter starting two games last fall. Either way, they're good enough to give Andrews a run for first-team reps this offseason. Part of the reason Houston loved the two linemen was because of their physicality and willingness to fight first before asking questions. They fit the new mold of the Texans' offensive identity, so if either can push ahead of Andrews, it has to be an option for Coleve Popovich.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans updated offensive depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft