The Houston Texans dominated the NFL on the defensive side of the ball last season. Defensively, the Texans led the league in yards allowed per game and EPA/play with 277.2 yards per game and -0/18 EPA/Play. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. helped lead the defense, ranking second in the league with 85 quarterback pressures and eighth in sacks with 12.

He was rewarded for his efforts with a three-year, $150 million extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Offensively, the Texans were league-average in both running and passing. It led to a playoff berth, but the team lost in the Divisional Round to the New England Patriots, 28-16.

Quarterback CJ Stroud had four interceptions, becoming a major talking point after the game. The team will continue with Stroud as the quarterback in 2026, and as they enter the draft, the goal is to get over the Divisional Round hump, as they’ve been eliminated there in the past three seasons (0-7 all-time in the Divisional Round). For Houston, it’s in an interesting spot.

The roster doesn’t have glaring needs going into the draft, but depth and versatility can be added. Here’s my seven-round mock to get the Texans past the divisional round in 2026. Round 1, Pick 28: OG Emmanuel Pregnon The Texans were aggressive in free agency to improve their offensive line.

They re-signed guard Ed Ingram and brought in free-agent guard Wyatt Teller from the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal. The team addressed tackle as well, signing right tackle Braden Smith from the Indianapolis Colts. Going into 2026, the line is solid, but beyond that, there’s uncertainty.

January 9, 2026: Oregon s Emmanuel Pregnon in action during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – a College Football Playoff CFP Semifinal – featuring the 5 Oregon Ducks and the 1 Indiana Hoosiers, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Indiana rolls over Oregon, 56-22. /CSM Atlanta United States of America – ZUMAc04_ 20260109_faf_c04_101 Copyright: xCecilxCopelandx Teller is 31 and isn’t the long-term solution at guard. Enter Pregnon.

He’s my 33rd-ranked player in this draft and is one of the safer options in this draft. He can be a plug-and-play starter with his strength and lateral quickness to mirror defenders in pass pro. He’s a massive 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds with a hand size of 11 inches.

He has the upside to start in 2026, but can be a backup entering the season and eventually taking over. Round 2, Pick 38: DL Christen Miller Just looking at the roster, defensive tackle is the Texans’ biggest need. With the potential of Pregnon being gone by pick 38, the Texans went with him in the first round, but will address defensive tackle here.

They re-signed Sheldon Rankins to a two-year deal but lost Tim Settle and Mario Edwards to free agency. The projected starter alongside Rakins is Tommy Togiai, who’s not a bad option, but competition should be added. Miller, to me, is the second-best run defender at defensive tackle in this class (behind Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald).

He’s 6-foot-4 and 321 pounds but holds it well. Ranked as my 43rd player in this draft, he has tremendous upside rushing the passer. The Texans have an attacking front, and Miller can play inside nose tackle, but I believe he can slide over to a 3-technique and rush the passer in obvious passing down situations.

There were flashes of his quick hands and ability to explode up the field at Georgia this past season. Round 2, Pick 59: Edge Joshua Josephs You may be thinking. What edge?

Don’t the Texans have Anderson and Danielle Hunter, who are two of the best pass rushers in the league? Well, yes, they do, but outside of them, there really is no one. Josephs enters the room at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds with 34 1/4-inch arms.

He’s a raw prospect, but looking at it from that angle, it’s the perfect situation to enter. NFL, American Football Herren, USA Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks Oct 20, 2025 Seattle, Washington, USA Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter 55 celebrates after a fumble recovery touchdown during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Seattle Lumen Field, Washington USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevenxBisigx 20251021_rgo_ab9_84 There’s no pressure for Joseph to contribute heavily in his rookie year with the team having Anderson and Hunter.

He can develop and learn to rush the passer effectively. There were flashes in his tape at Tennessee. Reps where he’d use his explosive first step and longer arms to take advantage of tackles.

It was rare for everything to come together for him in college, but the upside is there, and the culture in Houston is there for him to develop into something special. Round 3, Pick 69: LB Anthony Hill Jr. The Texans have a linebacker room of Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o.

The unit proved last year that they can be dominant together, but good teams stay ahead of potential needs. They both have experience contracts entering the