With the 2026 NFL draft quickly approaching on April 23rd, Brady has put together a 7-round mock for the Houston Texans. The Texans had an overall good 2025 season, however struggled with injuries and poor playoff performance. They look into the 2026 season with an elite defense, and an offence with few holes, so the draft will be more about fine tuning rather than filling major gaps.
Round 1, Pick 28 (28) – OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)
Proctor has been an elite pass blocker for Alabama for the last two years, although his size may be better suited for the Guard position. In his last season with the Crimson Tide, Proctor gave up 2 sacks, 2 hits, and 19 pressures. Overall, Procter would be a great addition for the Texans to help protect quarterback CJ Stroud.
Round 2, Pick 6 (38) – TE Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt)
Stowers has shown himself to be a reliable tight end over his three years playing in college, putting up over 600 all-purpose yards each year. While not having exceptional statistics for typical Power conference tight ends, Stowers putting up such solid numbers in primarily double or triple option playbooks is testament to his athletic ability. Stowers, with time behind Texans veterans, can prove to be a key asset in an already robust receiving core.
Round 2, Pick 27 (59) – WR Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
Although Sarratt’s yards have taken a step back since his 1191-yard season with JMU in 2023, he still put up numbers with National Champion Indiana University. His 15 touchdowns led wide receivers in 2025. The main draw to Sarratt, and why he might be available this late in the draft, is his slow acceleration, despite his full speed likely being fast. Sarratt would still make a good slot wide receiver to add to a receiving core that already has Nico Collins and a returning Tank Dell.
Round 3, Pick 5 (69) – RB Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
Washington put up a respectable season in 2025, putting up over 1000 yards on the ground, but only reaching the endzone 8 times. Even so, his breakout speed is very impressive, and with time to develop behind veteran Nick Chubb, he should prove a good second running back to David Montgomery.
Round 4, Pick 6 (106) – WR Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
Lance put up over 1000 yards in this last season with the Bison, paired with eight touchdowns, he has a solid case to become a good receiver in the league. The major drawbacks for Lance seem to be his unrefined route running, as well as FCS prejudice; however, Lance still could be a good depth add for a third or fourth string wide receiver., with a chance to step up in case Tank Dell’s injury history presents itself again.
Round 5, Pick 1 (141) – DT Zxavian Harris (Mississippi)
Although having the size of an elite defensive lineman, standing at 6’7, Harris lacks general NFL skill. Despite this he still put up solid stats in 2025 and would serve as a solid backup and developmental player.
Round 5, Pick 27 (167) – QB Drew Allar (Pennsylvania State)
Allar had a lot of hype going into 2025 but suffered a season ending ankle injury early on. Should his injury not become a long-term issue, he has proven himself to have quality talent, and would serve well as a backup to CJ Stroud, or potentially step in should Stroud have periods of struggle like in the 2025 season.
Round 7, Pick 27 (243) – LB Jack Kelly (Brigham Young)
Kelly had a good 2025 season with 10 sacks. His addition as a late round draft pick would create some much-needed depth in the secondary, one of the few aspects where the Texans defiance struggled.
