The Houston Texans have already been hard at work reshaping their roster in the 2026 offseason, trading offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns and also acquiring veteran running back David Montgomery.
With the future of Joe Mixon clearly up in the air, the Texans have already addressed one of their biggest needs of the offseason as they look to bounce back and get back into Super Bowl contention this year.
How will they move in the 2026 NFL Draft after the David Montgomery trade? It's clear the Texans have to address both sides of the line, but this team is not far off. We're going to take a shot at predicting their strategy for the draft following the big deals to offload Howard and bring Montgomery into the mix.
Texans load up on offensive and defensive lines in 2026 NFL Mock Draft predictions
28th overall: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Whether the Texans envision him as a long-term solution at one of the tackle spots or at guard, it doesn't matter. If Kadyn Proctor is on the board for them at pick No. 28 overall, he's a no-brainer among no-brainers.
Proctor was a five-star prospect coming up from the high school ranks, and chose Alabama over the Iowa Hawkeyes. His development at Alabama was a non-linear process, to say the least, but he's always had NFL tools in terms of his size and athletic traits. The Texans are not exactly in a "beggars can't be choosers" position with their offensive line, but it's getting close.
If Proctor had been more consistent during his time at Alabama, he would have been a lock for the top 10 picks. The potential juice here is worth the squeeze.
38th overall: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
If Caleb Banks somehow sneaks through the cracks of the first round and makes it to day two, which is not altogether impossible, then the Texans at pick 38 overall would be an ideal landing spot.
Banks only played three games this past season, so the risk involved with taking him could push him into round two, but this would be the equivalent of getting a potential top-20 dart throw. You just don't see many 6-foot-6 defensive linemen at 330-plus pounds with 35-inch arms who can move like Banks.
And that's why he's expected to still go in the first round in a lot of mocks. But if he does slide to round two, the Texans could beef up their defensive line and take another worthwhile shot on talent that could make them look like geniuses.
59th overall: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
After the performance he put on at the NFL Scouting Combine, it's tough to see Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers falling this far in the draft. But the simulation we ran had him on the board, and there are no guarantees when it comes to where players will slot in the draft, anyway. You've got to be ready for any scenario.
And for the Texans, a tight end with one of their top three picks feels like a good option in this class, regardless if it's Stowers or someone else. But adding a player who ran a 4.51 and posted a ridiculous, otherworldly 45.5-inch vertical jump?
It could take that offense to another level in 2026.
69th overall: AJ Haulcy, SAF, LSU
The Texans are always going to be looking for players to upgrade the secondary, which is already one of the best in the NFL. But when you've got this many picks within the top 75, you can't help but look at strengthening a strength.
AJ Haulcy has the exact type of skill set this team covets from defensive backs. He is a big-bodied safety prospect with elite ball skills. He could be a steal at this spot as someone who can play up in the box, he can play deep, and he can match up in man coverage.
106th overall: Parker Brailsford, OL, Alabama
The Texans have to do anything they possibly can to keep upgrading the offensive line. Throw a dart here early on Day 3 of the draft at Alabama's Parker Brailsford, and he'd be reunited with Kadyn Proctor in this scenario. He's a little undersized, but could be a nice value find on Day 3 in the right offense.
139th overall: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
Even after the trade to acquire David Montgomery, I don't think the Texans are done adding to the running back position. You have to have depth there, especially if you're planning on making deep runs into the postseason. With Woody Marks showing he can be a piece for the offense as well, getting someone like Nick Singleton would represent a worthwhile dart throw on talent, upgraded depth, and another asset for January.
165th overall: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
243rd overall: Luke Altmeyer, QB, Illinois
244th overall: Xavier Nwankpa, SAF, Iowa