Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans

As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation about team strategies and potential picks reaches a fever pitch—and for the Houston Texans, this year’s rumors carry extra weight. After a season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, the Texans enter the draft with a clear set of needs to address: shoring up their secondary, adding depth to the offensive line, and bolstering their pass rush behind stars Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson Jr. While the team has remained tight-lipped about their plans, insider reports, mock drafts, and scouting combine buzz have painted a picture of what the Texans might prioritize when they’re on the clock. Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans isn’t just about guessing who they’ll pick—it’s about unpacking how each potential selection fits into their goal of building a sustainable playoff contender.

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans begins with the most persistent rumor: the Texans targeting a top-tier cornerback with their first-round pick (projected to be in the 15–20 range). After struggling with depth in the secondary last season—even with the return of Derek Stingley Jr.—the Texans are widely expected to add a young, physical corner who can pair with Stingley and veteran Patrick Peterson. Two names that have emerged as front-runners in mock drafts and insider reports are Michigan’s Will Johnson and Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry. Johnson, a 6-foot-2 corner with elite press coverage skills, has drawn comparisons to Stingley for his ability to shut down top receivers, while McKinstry’s ball skills (he recorded 14 pass breakups in 2024) and experience in big games have caught the Texans’ eye. “The Texans have been doing their homework on cornerbacks since the end of the season,” one NFL scout told ESPN. “They know that to compete with teams like the Chiefs and Bills, they need a secondary that can handle elite passing attacks. Johnson or McKinstry would give them that missing piece.” The rumor gained traction after Texans general manager Nick Caserio was spotted meeting with both players at the scouting combine.

A second major rumor in Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans is the team’s interest in adding offensive line depth early in the draft, particularly at right tackle. With starter Tytus Howard entering the final year of his contract and backup Charlie Heck struggling to solidify the position, the Texans are rumored to be targeting versatile linemen who can play multiple spots. The top name linked to the Texans here is Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, a 6-foot-5 tackle who can also slide inside to guard—a flexibility that aligns with the Texans’ scheme. Powers-Johnson, who won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman in 2024, has been praised for his strength in run blocking and ability to handle speed rushers in pass protection. “The Texans value offensive linemen who can adapt,” a source close to the team told Pro Football Talk. “Powers-Johnson isn’t just a tackle—he can fill in at guard if someone gets hurt, which is huge for a team that wants to keep CJ Stroud protected. They’ve had him high on their board since last fall.” Another name mentioned in rumors is Georgia’s Amarius Mims, a physical tackle with upside, though concerns about his consistency have him projected to fall to the late first or early second round.

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans also includes speculation that the Texans will trade back in the first round to accumulate more picks, rather than staying put at their current spot. With multiple needs to address and a deep draft class, insider reports suggest Caserio is open to moving down a few spots to pick up an extra second or third-round selection—something that would allow the Texans to address both their secondary and offensive line needs without sacrificing quality. “Caserio has never been afraid to trade back to add picks,” one NFL executive said. “He did it in 2023 to get Will Anderson Jr., and he’s likely to do it again this year. The Texans have a young core, but they need more depth, and extra picks would let them fill multiple holes.” For the Houston Texans, a trade-back scenario could also let them target a cornerback or lineman later in the first round—when the value matches their needs—while using additional picks to add depth at other positions, like tight end or running back. The rumor has gained credibility after reports that the Texans have held preliminary talks with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, who are looking to move up for quarterbacks or pass rushers.

Another key rumor in Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans is the team’s interest in adding a pass-rushing edge rusher in the second or third round to back up Greenard and Anderson. While Greenard’s pending extension will keep him in Houston long-term, the Texans lack reliable depth behind him—last season, they relied on undrafted free agents and practice squad players when Anderson missed three games with an injury. The top names linked to the Texans here are Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, both of whom have the size and speed to contribute immediately as rotational pass rushers. Verse, a 6-foot-4 edge with 11 sacks in 2024, has drawn praise for his motor and ability to win with speed, while Latu’s versatility (he can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt) fits the Texans’ defensive scheme. “The Texans know they can’t rely on just two pass rushers for a full season,” a defensive coach told NFL Network. “Adding someone like Verse or Latu would let them keep Greenard and Anderson fresh down the stretch, which is crucial for a team that wants to make a playoff run. They’ve been watching tape on both guys extensively.” For the Houston Texans, this rumor ties back to their goal of building a dominant defense—one that can pressure quarterbacks consistently and complement their improving offense.

Finally, Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans wraps up with the implications of these rumors for the team’s future—and why they matter beyond just one draft. Whether the Texans pick a cornerback, trade back for more picks, or add a pass rusher, each decision will shape their ability to compete in the AFC South, where teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts are also loading up. The rumors also reflect the Texans’ evolving strategy: after years of rebuilding, they’re now focused on “win-now” moves that complement their young core (Stroud, Anderson, Stingley) while still planning for the future. “This draft is a crossroads for the Texans,” one NFL analyst said. “They have the chance to fill key needs and take the next step toward being a playoff team. The rumors we’re hearing suggest they’re not just guessing—they’re targeting specific players who fit their system and culture.” For the Houston Texans, the draft rumors aren’t just idle talk—they’re a window into how the team plans to turn last season’s near-miss into this season’s success. As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Caserio and the Texans to see which rumors become reality—and which picks will help them take that next step toward contention. Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Houston Texans ultimately reveals that while speculation is part of the fun, the real story will be how the Texans turn their draft strategy into on-field wins.