Houston Texans Mock Draft: More Defense Incoming?

A three-round mock draft simulation showcasing how the board might fall for the Houston Texans during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Oct 12, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio walks on the sideline / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans continue to turn heads during the 2024 NFL offseason. After making multiple big-time splashes in free agency, most notably the top available player in pass-rusher Danielle Hunter from the Minnesota Vikings, Houston topped them all earlier this week.

Stefon Diggs is now a wide receiver for the Texans, a stunning turn of events after sending out a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for the former All-Pro.

Now, many around the league are viewing Houston as a serious threat to contend in the AFC for a potential Super Bowl run. Acquiring Diggs and Hunter alone is worth a tier jump of its own, but there’s still the 2024 NFL Draft to unfold later this month.

How will the Texans maneuver the draft cycle after pushing many of their chips all in? Let’s dive into a three-round mock draft utilizing the Pro Football Focus simulator.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske (DL07) works out / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

42 — Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State (9.89 RAS)

Houston has certainly gone out of their way over the last month-plus to address all the dire needs heading into the 2024-25 campaign. So, how about we kick off this mock draft exercise with arguably the Texans’ top “need” left in a defensive tackle? Florida State’s Braden Fiske checks all the boxes for an athletic chess piece for head coach DeMeco Ryans to move all along the defensive line.

“Defensive tackle with below-average mass and length who makes up for it with above-average quickness and a constantly revving engine. Fiske uses sudden hands and nimble feet to whip single blocks,” NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote. “Once he finds daylight, he flies to whoever has the ball. He doesn’t have the anchor to sit down and muddy gaps, so scheme will be important for him. Fiske is a hustle rusher who can win quick or late if opponents don’t play with proper hand usage and match his energy. He lacks the ideal measurables but has a chance to become an impact defender.”

Carrying an elite athletic grade, 9.89 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), Fiske has seen his stock soar since the NFL Scouting Combine. The mid-second feels right in range for where Fiske should go off the board, and Houston takes full advantage here.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Khyree Jackson (5) against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

59 — Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon (8.54 RAS)

A long cornerback who could develop into so much more within Ryans’ system? Sounds like the type of swing Houston could make on Day 2 of this year’s draft. Standing at 6’3”, Jackson also possesses a long wingspan that would give many NFL-caliber receivers fits. Prospects like Jackson don’t last long on draft night, and Houston could be the place for him to further develop as a more raw player than most at his position.

“Extremely imposing outside cornerback with rare size and strength,” Zierlein wrote. “Jackson’s measurable are a big plus, but he started just 14 games during his college career, so the technique is inconsistent. He can be hit-or-miss from press, but when he catches the receiver with his punch, it’s trouble. A lack of anticipation and sticky hips cause him to get lost at transition points at times. Contested catches tilt heavily in his favor and will continue to do so as he improves with more coaching and experience. Jackson’s size and physicality combined with his NFL-caliber run support should make him an early backup with a chance to climb the ladder into a starting role if he proves he has the necessary speed.”

Although the Texans signed Jeff Okudah to a one-year deal, they will have potentially three or more pieces within their secondary enter free agency next offseason. It would be wise for Houston to address the group with one early selection for long-term stability.

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten (OL62) during the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

86 — Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington (9.20 RAS)

One of the most important parts of any NFL team is having the right amount of offensive line depth. Houston has the franchise left tackle in Laremy Tunsil, but how long will he play into his career? Also, do the Texans feel they have their long-term pieces to the puzzle in place firmly alongside Tunsil? There’s a real debate to be had there, but it could be addressed within the second or third round.

After a fantastic NFL Scouting Combine, plus a great season of tape at the University of Washington, Rosengarten is viewed as a Day-2 prospect. Whether it be as a swing tackle or mauling offensive guard, Rosengarten has the versatility to fit within many roles.

“Two-year starter with long legs, a physical demeanor and a limited athletic profile. Rosengarten is smart and uses all the tricks in his bag to make up for his lack of fluidity,” Zierlein wrote. “His ability to help protect his quarterback in five-man protections helped to bring the Huskies the Joe Moore Award (given to the top offensive line college football), but he might be too slow-footed to stay in front of NFL rushers. He’s below average as a bender and still needs to work on his hand placement, but a move inside to guard could give him a better shot at making a roster as a mauler on the physical front.”

Drafting Rosengarten brings more depth to a room still in need of more after further addressing it last year. An athletic tackle who can potentially kick inside? Houston should sign up for that all day.