Every Expert's Predicted Texans First-Round Draft Pick

With the 2026 NFL Draft now just under two months away, the time for annual predictions and mock drafts for how the coveted first round could go is already upon us.

And now with the NFL Combine officially underway this week for prospects to get their feet wet in the scouting process in Indianapolis, it's given some of the top experts in the field the perfect opportunity to break out a new set of mock drafts for just how this year's festivities could go in April.

As for the Houston Texans, they'll be sitting on the board with their first selection at pick 28 with an array of options to turn to for that highly-awaited selection. Whether it be another weapon for C.J. Stroud, a new offensive lineman to place in front of him, or perhaps a new piece on their already-elite defense, there will be several prospects to keep a keen eye on as a strong fit in the coming weeks.

With that in mind, let's take a look at how some of the top draft experts are projecting the Texans' first-round pick to be utilized:

Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. went with an interesting approach for the Texans' first-round selection, opting to go with Notre Dame's counterpart to Jeremiyah Love in the backfield, Jadarian Price, in order to shore up their rushing attack alongside Woody Marks heading into 2026.

"Per ESPN Research, this would be the fourth time two running backs from the same school both went in Round 1 -- and the first time since 2008, when Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones were Day 1 selections. But just because Price was second on the Fighting Irish's depth chart to Jeremiyah Love doesn't mean he can't be an RB1 in the NFL. He's a powerful runner who plays a one-cut-and-go brand of football. There are ball security concerns (four lost fumbles over three years), and we haven't seen a ton from him as a pass catcher, but Price is dynamic. He ran for 11 touchdowns, caught two TD passes and scored two more times on kickoff returns last season."

Daniel Jeremiah | NFL.com: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils with Utah Utes offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah sees the Texans finding a young stud on their offensive line to pair with their existing left tackle, Aireontae Ersery, with their selection at the backend of the first round, that being Utah tackle Caleb Lomu.

"Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build around on the offensive line."

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Marc Vandermeer | HoustonTexans.com: Kadyn Proctor, OG/OT, Alabama

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The voice of the Houston Texans himself, Marc Vandermeer, said that if he were the one in the GM's chair instead of Nick Caserio, he would be targeting versatile Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor.

"Is he a guard or a tackle? The answer is yes. I met him while I MC'd the Lombardi awards. He'll be a great interview – which is super important to me. But seriously folks, Trent Brown and Ed Ingram are free agents-to-be. And you're asking me to draft in February, so I'm taking this guy."

Lance Zierlein | NFL.com: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (DL21) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While most projections revolving around the Texans' first-round pick are keying in on the offensive side of the ball, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein sees a different approach on the table––perhaps in the form of selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

"Houston needs help on the offensive line, but the best available prospect in this scenario could be a defensive lineman. McDonald is an ascending talent with the "SWARM" mentality DeMeco Ryans looks for."