Texans Daily

3 Impact Targets Texans Must Consider on Day 2 of NFL Draft

Here are three prospects to keep an eye on for the Houston Texans during day two of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) prepares for a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) prepares for a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In this story:


After trading out of the first round on Thursday night, Houston Texans' general manager Nick Caserio has reloaded with multiple picks for day two of the 2025 NFL Draft.

One of the major needs the Texans must address is the offensive line, as quarterback CJ Stroud was sacked 52 times throughout the 2024 regular season. In addition to an already-weak front line, Caserio moved off of star left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason, making it even more of a priority to fix the line before the 2025 season.

Here are three prospects to keep an eye on for the Texans during day two of the NFL Draft.

Tate Ratledge (IOL, Georgia)

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge
Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) blocks against the Tennessee Volunteers in the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In my last mock draft for the Texans, Ratledge was my selection in round two. Throughout his time with the Bulldogs, he demonstrated his consistency against some of the toughest competition in college football. Ratledge allowed two sacks and 10 quarterback hurries since 2022, while also solidifying himself as a top guard at this year's NFL Combine with incredible testing numbers. He would be a great addition to an offensive line that is in the process of being revamped this offseason.

Charles Grant (OT, William & Mary)

William & Mary offensive lineman Grant Charles
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; William & Mary offensive lineman Grant Charles (OL16) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Someone that hasn't received much attention the draft cycle is William & Mary's Charles Grant, who could be a real "diamond in the rough". Grant was PFF's second-highest graded tackle in college football last season, as he only allowed an astonishing two sacks and six quarterback hurries in 2024. He may be undersized at 6-foot-5, 300 lbs, but his combination of raw power and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect for the Texans in the second or third round.

Darius Alexander (IDL, Toledo)

Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander
Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander (9) against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of the offensive line, Houston's only other real concern heading into this offseason was the interior defensive line. Luckily for Caserio, this year's class is riddled with defensive tackles that could be impact players in the NFL. Toledo's Darius Alexander shined as a run defender in his final season with the Rockets, finishing with a PFF run defense grade of 90.3. The Texans would greatly benefit from a hard-nosed run stopper, which makes Alexander a prospect to watch in the middle rounds.

Read More Houston Texans Coverage

MORE: Texans Trade Down for Giants to Snag Potential Franchise QB

MORE: Houston Texans Trying to Make Major Trade in First Round of NFL Draft

MORE: Houston Texans Make Interesting Trade Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

MORE: ESPN Insider Issues Final Prediction for Texans' First Round Pick

MORE: Houston Texans' Mock Draft 4.0: CJ Stroud Gets Much-Needed Help


Published
Dylan Feltovich
DYLAN FELTOVICH

Dylan Feltovich attended John Carroll University and started working for numerous sites in the On SI network in 2023 as a staff writer, including the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes. He has covered high school and college events around the Northeast Ohio area for several years.