Texans Draft Targets: Offensive Line Fits, Needs, and Strategy
- 4 days ago
- 12 min read
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In Part 1 of this series, I broke down how the Texans are positioned heading into the draft—why they don’t have to force needs, how they can play the board, and the concept of drafting in clusters rather than locking into one position.
This is where we start applying that.
And there may not be a better place to begin than the offensive line.
Why Offensive Line Still Matters—Even After Free Agency
The Texans made real efforts to improve this group this offseason.
After moving on from Tytus Howard & Juice Scruggs, they re-signed Ed Ingram and Trent Brown, and brought in Braden Smith, Wyatt Teller and Evan Brown. On paper, this is a better unit than what they fielded last year.
If the season started today, they could run this group out there and function.
But “functioning” isn’t the goal.
Maximizing the roster is.
And when you look at this room closely—both in the short term and long term—there are still multiple paths where investing in the offensive line makes sense.
This Isn’t One Need—It’s Multiple Layers
One of the biggest takeaways when evaluating this group is that it’s not about just one position.
You can make a legitimate case for:
Center
Guard
Tackle
All being addressed in this draft.
That doesn’t mean they will take all three.
But it does mean they have flexibility to attack the position in multiple ways depending on how the board falls.
Center Feels Like the Cleanest Upgrade Path
If there’s one spot that stands out the most, it’s center.
Jake Andrews isn’t a bad player, and this is where nuance matters. He was serviceable in what was essentially his rookie season, and Nick Caserio even noted he played much of the second half of the year on “one leg.”
That context matters.
The Texans added Evan Brown, who brings guard-center flexibility and can compete at the position. Brown raises the floor of the room and gives Houston another option, but he likely profiles more as a solid, stabilizing presence rather than a long-term, high-end solution.
So while the addition helps, it doesn’t necessarily close the door on upgrading the position.
And that’s really the key here.
Even with Andrews’ development and Brown’s versatility, this is still the clearest place the Texans can get better.
Houston openly acknowledged during the offseason they were willing to upgrade at center. They didn’t land a definitive answer in free agency, which naturally shifts that focus to the draft.
This feels like the most natural position to address early—if the value aligns.
Guard and Tackle: Structure Is Set… But Not Solidified
Wyatt Teller helps stabilize the guard position, but that doesn’t eliminate it from the conversation.
He’s getting older, there are some injury considerations, and he’s transitioning from right guard to left guard. That doesn’t mean the move won’t work, but it does mean the Texans should still be thinking ahead—especially when it comes to getting younger on the interior and continuing to build depth.
The same type of conversation applies at tackle.
Right now, the structure looks clear:
Arietonate Ersery at left tackle (entering Year 2 after being drafted in the 2nd round)
Braden Smith at right tackle
Trent Brown likely serving as the swing tackle
On paper, that’s functional.
Ersery showed enough as a rookie to feel comfortable projecting forward growth as a franchise left tackle and Smith gives them a veteran presence on the right side. Trent Brown brings experience and depth as a swing option.
But when you zoom out, there are still questions.
Smith is on a shorter-term timeline and has dealt with injuries. Brown is also older, on a one-year deal, and has his own injury history. That makes both more short-term solutions than long-term answers.
Then there’s Blake Fisher.
The former second-round pick is entering Year 3 and carved out a role last season as a jumbo tight end while also filling in at left tackle for a game. There’s value in that versatility, and he showed he can contribute.
But similar to other holdovers from the previous system, there’s a legitimate question about fit.
Fisher was drafted for a more wide zone approach, and with the Texans shifting toward a gap-based system under Nick Caley, it’s fair to question how cleanly that translates long term. That alone shouldn’t stop Houston from continuing to invest at the position.
And that’s really the takeaway.
Even with a projected starting five and experienced depth, tackle still feels like a position where adding a younger player—someone who can develop behind veterans and potentially grow into a starting role—would make a lot of sense.
Depth Is Not Optional at This Position
This is the part that often gets overlooked.
Offensive line isn’t just about your starting five.
It’s about your next five.
Injuries happen constantly. Performance fluctuates. One change can force multiple reshuffles across the line.
That’s why the Texans have leaned into versatility and optionality.
It’s not always popular with fans, but it’s practical.
You can have a plan for your starting five—but having players who can step in across multiple spots and keep the unit functional matters. A lot.
That’s something to keep in mind when evaluating prospects:
Some already show versatility
Others require projection
But it’s clearly something Houston values
Scheme Shift Changes Everything
This is one of the most important layers of this discussion.
Under Bobby Slowik, the Texans operated in a wide zone system. That typically prioritizes:
Mobility
Agility
Processing
Playing in space
Now, entering Year 2 under Nick Caley, the shift toward a more gap-oriented approach continues to reshape what this offensive line is supposed to look like.
And that’s the key—this isn’t a one-year flip.
It’s a process.
You’re now looking more for:
Size
Power
Displacement
Physicality at the point of attack
That shift matters when evaluating both past decisions and future ones.
Some of the players drafted under the previous system—like Blake Fisher and Jarrett Patterson—were brought in with a different style in mind. That doesn’t mean they can’t develop into fits, but it does mean they’re now being evaluated through a different lens.
You’ve already seen early signs of that transition with moves like trading Juice Scruggs, who fit more of a zone profile.
And even now in Year 2 under Caley, it can take time to fully transition a room—both in terms of personnel and identity. You’re still seeing a blend of holdovers from the previous system and newer additions that better align with where the Texans want to go.
That’s why this draft feels so important.
It’s not just about adding offensive linemen.
It’s about continuing to shape the room into the exact identity this staff wants.
This draft will be one of the clearest indicators yet of what the Texans want this offensive line to look like moving forward.
DeMeco Ryans’ Vision: Physicality and Edge
Beyond scheme, there’s also identity.
Since arriving in 2023, DeMeco Ryans has consistently talked about changing the mentality of the offensive line.
Physicality.
Finish.
Nastiness.
That’s not accidental language.
And when you look at some of the turnover along the offensive line—moving on from inherited players like Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard—while those were mostly financial decisions in my opinion, it’s fair to also connect them to a shift toward building a room that better reflects that mindset.
That identity aligns closely with the move toward a gap-based system.
And it should absolutely influence how we evaluate prospects.
How Many Offensive Linemen Could They Take?
Given everything above, it would not be surprising at all if the Texans came away with:
At least two offensive linemen
Potentially three depending on how the board falls
That’s not overkill.
That’s planning.
Especially when you factor in:
Depth needs
Scheme transition
Aging veterans on short-term deals
Future financial decisions
There’s also a practical layer to this.
Teams typically carry 9, sometimes 10 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster.
Right now, the Texans already have a strong portion of that group accounted for with:
Arietonate Ersery (LT)
Wyatt Teller (LG)
Jake Andrews / Evan Brown (C/G)
Ed Ingram (G)
Braden Smith (RT)
Trent Brown (swing tackle)
That’s roughly 7 spots already spoken for, which leaves only 2–3 true openings heading into camp.
And that’s where things get interesting.
If the Texans add multiple rookies, those players won’t just be developmental pieces—they’ll be competing directly with players like Blake Fisher and Jarrett Patterson for roster spots.
That competition matters.
It also reinforces why drafting two offensive linemen feels most realistic, with a third depending on how the board falls. It allows Houston to add talent without completely overcrowding the room, while still giving themselves flexibility to develop players or stash one on the practice squad if needed.
What I’m Looking for in Texans OL Targets
Before getting into specific names, here’s the lens I’m using when evaluating fits for Houston:
Ability to function in a gap-oriented system
Physicality and finishing mindset
Positional flexibility (or projection to it)
Long-term upside, not just immediate plug-and-play
Alignment with the culture DeMeco wants
Next: My Offensive Line Targets
Now that the context is set, this is where it gets into the names.
Below are the offensive line prospects I believe make the most sense for the Texans—based on fit, value, and where they could realistically be targeted in the draft.
How I Built This Board
Rather than separating strictly by position, I’m grouping players the way a front office would:
By value clusters
By fit within the scheme
By how they align with the identity this staff wants
Position still matters—but it doesn’t control the board.
As you dive in, check to see what kind of visits that have been reported for each player on the Stressans draft tracker:
High-End Targets (Round 1 / Trade-Up Range)
These are players that clearly fit—but may require movement.
Olaivavega Ioane (OG)
The cleanest fit in the class for what the Texans want to do.
Physical
Downhill
Gap scheme ready
If he slides into the early 20s, this is someone I’d be comfortable trading up for depending on price.
Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)
One of my favorite fits at 28.
4-year starter at RT
Captain
Durable
Mauler in run game
With Ersery at LT, this gives you a long-term answer at RT and fits the identity shift.
Max Iheanachor (OT)
Traits + mentality.
Light feet you can’t teach
Mean streak
Ascending player
Saw him at the Senior Bowl—very impressive.
Would take him at 28, but ideally trade back and land him early Round 2, but not sure if he slides that long.
(Contingency Tier)
Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, Monroe Freeling
Likely out of range, but obvious fits if anything unexpected happens.
Core Day 2 Targets (The Texans-Type Linemen)
This is the heart of the board.
Keylan Rutledge (OG/C)
One of my favorite players in the entire draft.
6’4, 330
Physical, nasty, finisher
Guard with center flexibility
Played through a serious injury in 2024 and still showed toughness.
This is everything DeMeco Ryans wants in an offensive lineman.
I’d take him early Round 2. Some buzz he may got late 1st as of late, but I still think he should be there early round 2.
Emmanuel Pregnon (OG, Oregon)
Big, physical guard with good play strength
Experienced and steady presence inside
Locked-in guard with no real positional flexibility
I’m a fan of the player and he absolutely fits in this range, but I’m slightly lower on him than consensus—especially relative to the Texans’ scheme.
There’s a bit more of a zone lean to his game, even though he still brings size and physicality.
The biggest factor for me is age. At nearly 25 and strictly a guard, the developmental runway is more limited compared to other options in this range.
Still, if the Texans are looking for a plug-and-play interior presence, he makes sense.
Mid to late Round 2 target depending on how the board falls
Billy Schrauth (OG, Notre Dame)
Very underrated.
Plays heavier than listed weight
Mauler
Finisher
Perfect fit for a gap-heavy system.
Pat Coogan (C/G, Indiana)
I don’t understand why the consensus is so low on him.
6’5, 311
Played in back-to-back national championships
Rose Bowl Offensive MVP (as a center)
Smart, respected leader
He fits both zone and gap concepts, but especially stands out in duo and inside zone (Texans bread and butter), and he plays with edge.
Honestly, I think there’s a real argument he’s the best center in this draft—or at the very least, the best center for what the Texans want to do.
Some may point to age, but he’s not as old as other prospects in this class, and historically that’s not something that’s mattered much to Nick Caserio and this staff.
I’d take him in the 3rd without hesitation
I’d take him in the 3rd easily.
Gennings Dunker (OT/G)
Same mentality as Rutledge.
Physical
Finisher
Versatility
Right tackle background but can/likely will kick inside.
Jalen Farmer (OG, Kentucky)
6’5, 318
Downhill, aggressive blocker
Fits the identity shift perfectly.
Center Targets (Specific Need Layer)
Center still feels like the cleanest upgrade path.
Connor Lew (C)
Young (20)
Smart, handles stunts well
Good physicality
Coming off an injury, which keeps me from reaching.
Aaron Wilson reported he met with the Texans and is ahead of schedule, which is encouraging.
I’m a fan and he’s a good fit, but I’m not quite as high on him as consensus. I wouldn’t take him where he’s currently projected, but slightly later on, he makes a lot of sense for Houston.
Late Round 2 value if the board falls right
Matt Gulbin (C, Michigan State)
One of my favorite value targets.
Played 4 of 5 OL spots
Violent hands
Gap fit
Absolute animal. Day 3 steal potential.
Mid Round / Versatility Targets
Trey Zuhn (OT/C)
Played all 5 spots
Limited snaps at center, but looked very good there—arguably even higher ceiling inside
Strong overall tape with a downhill, gap-scheme fit (especially as a puller)
Senior Bowl struggles are worth noting, but he was battling an ankle injury, and the full body of work on film outweighs that.
Late Round 3 / Early Round 4 target
Jaeger Burton (OG/C)
6’4, 323
Good finisher
Versatility
Late Day 3 option.
Beau Stephens (OG)
Iowa background (zone heavy)
But shows gap/duo traits
Good size, good leverage.
Developmental / Day 3 Targets
This is where the Texans can build depth.
Travis Burke (OT)
6’9, rare frame
Mean streak
May go in round 2 or 3, but if he slides, great value. Raw but high upside.
JC Davis (OT, Illinois)
6’5, 335
Good length
Physical mentality
Kage Casey / Jude Bowry
Developmental tackles
Likely guard projection
Both 6'5" 311, both 22
Similiar playstyle, finsihing mindsets
Jeremiah Wright (OG)
Former DT.
6’5, 331
Nasty
Good with stunts
DJ Campbell (OG)
6’3, 321
Finisher
Not elite athlete but strong fit
Anez Cooper (OG)
6’6, 350
Massive frame
Nasty demeanor
Josh Gesky (OL)
Elite testing
Played multiple spots
Caden Barnett (OT/G, Wyoming)
6’5, 320 with good size for a gap scheme
Primarily played right tackle with some reps at guard
Likely projects inside at the next level
Shows the physicality and mean streak you want—plays with edge and isn’t afraid to finish through the whistle.
There’s positional flexibility here with the ability to kick inside, which adds value for a team like Houston that prioritizes optionality up front.
Round 6 target as a developmental depth piece with the right mindset
Texans interest noted.
Jaeden Roberts (OG)
Deep sleeper.
6’5, 335
Elite strength metrics
Mauler mentality
Ar’maj Reed-Adams (OG, Texas A&M)
Nearly 6’6, 315 with a frame to add more mass
Uses length well, sometimes more than engaging with power
There’s some developmental upside here, but I’d like to see him play with more consistent strength and physicality given his size.
Still, the tools are there, and he fits as a late-round depth/developmental option.
Round 6–7 target for me
Players I’m Lower On Than Consensus
Kadyn Proctor → mentality concerns, doesn’t consistently finish
Caleb Lomu → lighter frame, anchor / physicality concerns
Chase Bisontis → finesse, more zone-leaning profile
Sam Hecht → better zone fit
Logan Jones → zone-based profile
Jake Slaughter → below consensus for me, more zone-based
Parker Brailsford → good player but size concerns; outplayed it in college but could show up more in NFL, better zone fit than gap
Micah Morris → ideal size for gap but lacks consistent finishing / SWARM mentality, relies on size too often
Caleb Tiernan → too light and not physical enough for what I’m looking for
Markell Bell → 6’9 frame but too weak, struggles with strength at point of attack
Dametrious Crownover → similar concerns as Bell, gets beat too often with a weak anchor
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about finding one offensive lineman.
It’s about building the room.
The Texans are in a position where they can:
Add starters
Add depth
Add developmental players
All in the same draft.
And more importantly, they can finally build this unit in the exact identity DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caley want:
Physical.
Downhill.
Nasty.
My Texans OL Board (Fit-Based Ranking)
This is how I currently stack these players strictly based on fit for Houston, not overall consensus.
I’m not married to this order, and it will naturally omit some players who may go earlier but don’t fit what the Texans are building—especially at the top of the draft.
Olaivavega Ioane
Blake Miller
Max Iheanachor
Keylan Rutledge
Emmanuel Pregnon
Billy Schrauth
Gennings Dunker
Pat Coogan
Trey Zuhn
Connor Lew
Jalen Farmer
Beau Stephens
Jaeger Burton
Travis Burke
JC Davis
Kage Casey
Jude Bowry
Jeremiah Wright
DJ Campbell
Jaeden Roberts
Anez Cooper
Josh Gesky
Caden Barnett
Ar’maj Reed-Adams
Big Picture Draft Dynamics
When you zoom out, the structure of this class is important.
Tackle is top-heavy, like it usually is.
There’s a real argument both ways:
Take one early, even if he sits behind Braden Smith and Trent Brown
Or pass early and miss out on higher-end talent
If you want a true long-term tackle, it likely has to come in the first two rounds. And if it’s Round 1, you get the added benefit of the fifth-year option at a premium position.
Inside, it looks different.
Center value is pushed down the board
Guard has a strong cluster in Rounds 2–3
And there are plenty of developmental options Rounds 4–7
That plays right into how the Texans are positioned.
They don’t have to force anything.
They can let the board fall—and attack value wherever it shows up.
Next Up
Next, I’ll break down the defensive line with the same approach—looking at both edge and interior as positions the Texans could add to.
We’ll dive into:
Fits
Targets
Strategy
And the specific types of players that make sense in this scheme
Just like with the offensive line, it’s not just about talent—it’s about finding the right fit for what this defense wants to be.
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