Ensuring quarterback C.J. Stroud lives up to his full potential and drafting the future stars that will ensure a Lombardi Trophy comes home to the newly renamed Reliant Stadium before this regime calls it a career. That starts on Thursday night when the Texans are on the clock at pick No. 28.Or will Houston move back from the end of Round 1 to shore up more draft compensation?

If general manager Nick Caserio has his way, it's more than likely that it becomes a reality. After more than three dozen fake mock drafts, countless phone calls and surveys among fans, it's time for Texans Wire to drop its final mock draft. Given the information on the players who met with the team, plus the immediate and long-term needs, we're safe to say this will be the most accurate mock draft found among Texans fandom.Using the Pro Football Network draft simulator, this is how we think the weekend will go.

Houston will still have four picks within the top 100, but given Caserio's background and willingness to move back early to move up late, not every pick will come at Nos. 28, 38, 59 and 69 as listed entering Thursday.Ok, no more wasting time. Let's see the next crop of Texans' players ready to join the AFC South franchise. TRADE!: Arizona moves up for QB2The Texans were willing to help the New York Giants last offseason land the No. 2 QB in the draft with Jaxson Dart.

Here, Caserio and Monti Ossenfort do business once again, swapping future 2027 picks along with an added Day 3 selection on Saturday. Official trade: Arizona sends Texans picks No. 34, No. 104 and a 2027 third-round pick for pick No. 28 and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Round 2, Pick No. 38: Georgia DL Christen MillerThe Texans could have taken Kayden McDonald out of Ohio State at No. 28, but knowing he was falling into the end of Day 2, they played the waiting game.

At the end of Round 1, the New York Giants jumped up with New England to find their replacement for Dexter Lawrence under new head coach John Harbaugh. With a need for a high upside run defender who can improve in time in the pass rush, Miller was the obvious pick of the names left on the board. He met with the Texans for a formal visit at the combine earlier this offseason and flew down to speak with the team last month.

A two-year starter at Georgia, the 6-foot-3, 321-pound defender was the anchor of Kirby Smart's defense en route to two conference titles and a pair of College Football Playoff appearances, racking up 64 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in the past three years. Entering 2026, Miller should be viewed as a development 3-techique with versatility to shift inside on run defense sets. He is at his best working against combo blocks while controlling 1-on-1 battles against guards and centers.

Given the Texans already have Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai, he'd be a welcome addition for depth that should fight for playing time on run downs. Caserio loves the Southeastern Conference players, primarily from Alabama and Georgia. Landing another Bulldog to pair with Kamari Lassiter.

It just means more, right? Round 2, Pick No. 38: Georgia Tech OL Keylan Rutledge The Peach State is so nice that Houston went back twice. While three-time Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller inked a two-year deal this offseason, he's battled injury and dealt with regression over the past two campaigns.

He'll be the starter at left guard Week 1, but given his past of missing time, it would be wise for Houston to at least consider an interior offensive lineman with one of their top 40 selection.Rutledge has been a name in recent weeks that's gained traction for the Texans. He's the ideal fit as a run blocker, which seems to be a priority for Houston's revamped offensive line under Nick Caley this offseason, and looked poised in pass protection while anchoring Brent Key's line in front of Haynes King. The 6-4, 318-pound lineman didn't allow a sack in over 400 pass block reps last season and has position flexibility, having tested at guard and center during his lone season in Atlanta.Rutledge is the type of guy you want on your side in a bar fight.

Scout applauded him for his toughness and aggressive play style in run blocking. He won't throw the first punch, but he's built like someone who has no problem throwing a pest out through a window. Round 2, Pick No. 59: Alabama WR Germie BernardLast week, when asked about the status of wide receiver Tank Dell, Caserio didn't seem committed to the idea that the former speedster would be 100 percent for the regular season. After further conversations with people around close to the team, the consensus notion seems to be that Houston plans on adding a