Houston Texans draft picks tracker: Updated list of 2026 selections, next pick predictions originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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After their first season with an impressive playoff win on the road, the Texans are looking to make a splash in this year’s Draft. They aim to strengthen their roster and address the issues that hindered their progress in the divisional round. They have certainly earned the hype.
Nobody saw 12-5 coming out of a 0-3 hole. Few had this team pegged for a nine-game winning streak or the first road playoff win in franchise history, taking down the Pittsburgh Steelers, 30-6.
Now, the question is whether one more successful draft can elevate this Divisional Round team to Super Bowl contenders.
The Texans are a strong team supported by an elite defensive unit, a top-tier edge-rushing duo, and a franchise quarterback. However, they do have some weaknesses: a shaky offensive line and an inconsistent interior defensive front. Fixing those two spots is the mandate tonight.
DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio know their agenda. Given Caserio’s strong negotiation skills, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Texans’ draft position changes tonight. Just a year ago, the Texans were completely traded out of the first round.
The Sporting News is tracking every Texans selection in the 2026 NFL draft, from the first round to the seventh. Follow along below as Houston makes its picks.
MORE:Complete 2026 NFL Draft order
Houston Texans draft picks 2026
Who did the Texans draft?
Texans have eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1: Pick 28
- Round 2: Pick 38
- Round 2: Pick 59
- Round 3: Pick 69
- Round 4: Pick 106
- Round 5: Pick 141
- Round 5: Pick 167
- Round 7: Pick 243
Texans’ NFL Draft needs
- Interior offensive line (IOL). The arguably biggest concern is here. Wyatt Teller and Ed Ingram are a temporary fix penciled in at guard with Jake Andrews at center, but they need a long-term answer. Tonight could be an opportunity to fix it.
- Defensive tackle (DT) Since DeMeco Ryans arrived in 2023, Houston has rotated through starting DTs without a long-term answer. They could use this NFL Draft go-around to find an interior presence to pair with edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
- Cornerback (CB). Depth is the name of the game. Insurance behind Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre in case of injury. Finding weapons for protection. That will serve them well.
MORE:Final NFL Draft big board of 257 players
Texans mock draft 2026
Here’s a look at how the Texans’ draft board could shake out, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN’s Vinnie Iyer.
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 | Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State |
| 2 | 38 | Zion Young | EDGE | Missouri |
| 2 | 59 | Caleb Tiernan | OT | Northwestern |
| 3 | 69 | Sam Hecht | G/C | Kansas State |
| 4 | 106 | Deontae Lawson | LB | Alabama |
| 5 | 167 | Josh Cameron | WR | Baylor |
| 7 | 243 | Noah Thomas | WR | Georgia |
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
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