Building the Trenches: The Houston Texans 1st Round Draft Room Preview
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off tomorrow night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, excitement is building across the league—but especially in Houston. With the Texans continuing to build on last season’s playoff appearance, this draft could be a critical step in securing the Superbowl dreams many Houstonians have been dreaming off.
Houston Texans 2025 Draft Picks:
Round 1, Pick 25
Round 2, Pick 58
Round 3, Pick 79 (via Dolphins, through Eagles and Commanders)
Round 3, Pick 89
Round 5, Pick 166 (via Bills)
Round 7, Pick 236 (via Broncos, through Eagles and Commanders)
Round 7, Pick
Team Needs Going into the Draft:
Based on a combination of PFF's big board and Texans’ roster analysis, Houston’s most urgent needs are in the trenches—especially at:
Offensive tackle (OT)
Offensive guard (OG)
Defensive tackle (DT)
Z receiver (WR)
These are priority areas where the Texans may go for on Day 1. There’s is a lot of emphasis on offensive line especially after this past season where CJ stroud was sacked second most in the league however, there is also a need in a Z wide receiver, someone who can stretch the field and complement Nico Collins and Christian Kirk.
First-Round Possibilities (Pick 25) (Maybe!?!)
With Nick Caserio’s recent draft-day aggression don’t be surprised if the Texans trade up slightly to land a premium talent in the trenches or a dynamic playmaker. If a top-tier offensive lineman or explosive receiver begins to slide, I would expect Houston to make a move. Here is a list of some of my top targets and who I may expect to see in a Texans uniform next season.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas) – One of the premier left tackles in this class and a natural plug-and-play fit in Houston’s zone-blocking scheme. If he falls out of the top 15, the Texans could package their second or third rounder to move up and secure long-term protection for C.J. Stroud.
Tyler Booker (OG, Alabama) – A physical and versatile guard who could solidify the interior line. Booker’s run-blocking prowess makes him an ideal fit in the Texans' offense.
Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State) – A raw but powerful tackle with tremendous upside. He could be a target if Houston wants to invest in long-term development with elite traits.
Matthew Golden (WR, Texas) – A big-play Z receiver who brings vertical explosiveness and YAC ability. If the Texans prioritize a weapon opposite Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, Golden could be in play at the end of Round 1—or via a slight trade back into the top of Round 2.
What I Think We’ll Do:
I personally believe and would support the decision if the Texans trade up in the first round to land Kelvin Banks Jr. The elite offensive tackle from Texas is a dominant pass blocker with elite athleticism, and he fits perfectly into Houston’s zone scheme. He allowed only one sack in over 2,600 college snaps, and his Pass Blocking grade ranks in the 100th percentile among all draft-eligible linemen.
Here’s a quick look at why he’s worth trading up for per NFLDRAFTBUZZ.com
6’5”, 315 lbs with good length (33.5” arms)
40-yard dash: 5.16 seconds – above average for his size
Vertical: 32” (90th percentile) – explosiveness off the line
3-Cone: 7.81 – agility to mirror in space
Overall rating: 88.3/100 | Draft projection: Top 10
Run Blocking: 87% | Pass Blocking: 100%
Texas pedigree + SEC competition = proven performer
To move up from Pick 25 to somewhere in the 12–15 range (where Banks is most likely to fall), Caserio may need to package Pick 25 + a 2nd and maybe a 3rd-rounder (possibly Pick 89) or a 2026 Day 2 pick, but if it locks down a 10-year starting left tackle or interior man for C.J. Stroud, it's worth every bit. Banks would be an instant starter and gives Houston one of the most complete young offensive cores in the league.
As the Texans gear up for what could be a very pivotal draft, the excitement in Houston is more than just offseason hype—it's a genuine belief that this team is on the cusp of greatness. With the right moves, particularly in the trenches and at wide receiver, Nick Caserio has a golden opportunity to turn playoff potential into championship contention. Whether it's trading up for a cornerstone like Kelvin Banks Jr. or staying patient and letting value fall into their lap, every pick matters. One thing is clear: the foundation is in place, the quarterback is elite, and with a few more pieces, Houston could be ready to make a serious run. Texans fans—get ready. Our Superbowl journey starts tonight.
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