Battle Red Blog
It’s been over one month since the inaugural Houston Texans Mock Draft for the 2026 class, and things are starting to shape up around the league. The Texans are jockeying for position in the AFC playoff race. Meanwhile, The Washington Commanders, who the Texans have their 2nd and 4th round picks, have fallen to a 4-12 record.
In this mock, Houston goes a different direction than offensive line with its first pick. Why? We all need to come to terms with the fact that Nick Caserio doesn’t enjoy going OL with the first pick.
2025: Higgins (WR), then Ersery (OT)
2024: Lassiter (CB), then Fisher (OT)
2023: Stroud (QB), Anderson (DE), then Scruggs (OG)
2022: Stingley (CB), then Green (OG)
While I think the other safety position is more of a need than DT, this would be a huge add. Caserio has neglected DT youth and opted for vets.
This four-round mock draft comes after Houston’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offensive line looked much improved, but still could use serious investment.
Biggest needs: OT, OG, S, DT, RB, TE
Analysis: In this mock, both offensive line prospects Vega Ioane from Penn State and Miami’s Francis Mauioga went just before Houston’s pick. Instead, they fill a growing need up front on defense as they have FIVE DTs on injured reserve.
McDonald has started one year and played another in a rotational role for Ohio State. While McDonald doesn’t provide much in the pass rush game, he’s arguably the best run stopper in the 2026 class. The 6’3”, 326 pound stud has brought a level of consistency to the Buckeye’s front line and is NFL-ready from a technique aspect. With the turnover and injuries abound in Houston, McDonald would provide be the biggest, long-term addition to the DT group in year.
Analysis: While Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon another option, Austin Siereveld is the right choice. His versatility and experience playing left guard, left tackle, and right guard lends itself well to the reviving door that is Houston’s offensive line. Siereveld has near identical pass blocking and run blocking grades on PFF and competes with a mean streak that Houston desperately needs on its front line. While Houston could start Siereveld at multiple positions, the most urgent role to fill is right guard… where he’s played the least.
Analysis: The Big 10 run continues as Houston bolsters their defense. The Texans desperately need another safety after releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and losing Jaylen Reed, M.J. Stewart, and Jaylin Smith to injury. Thieneman isn’t only an aggressive, instinctive, and downhill safety, he is a perfect compliment to Calen Bullock. Thieneman had an absurd game against JMU in the first round of the playoffs with seven tackles, a pass defended, and a tackle for loss. Adding another elite safety to the group brings...
