As we approach the end of the season and inch towards the NFL Draft in April, it’s time to start evaluating the Texans biggest needs this offseason. Unlike Defensive Tackle, which has become a positional need of late due to injury, offensive line has long been a glaring issue for the Texans. Sure, they’ve addressed it through the draft and free agency, but that shouldn’t stop Nick Caserio and Co. from doubling down this offseason.
In terms of priority, Houston needs a right tackle, right guard, and center. Houston’s right side of the line is manned by Ed Ingram and Trent Brown who are both on one-year deals.
With that, let’s evaluate the early slate of offensive lineman slated to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The two players most likely selected before our draft pick are Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami). Both are pure right tackles, which is our biggest need and will be top-15 based on initial scouting projections.
This class appears to be excellent at interior lineman and limited in quality tackle prospects. There are plenty of underclassmen or Juniors who have yet to declare. Their additions should add depth to this top-heavy group by the end of the College Football Bowl season.
Vega Ioane, Penn State – LG
- Current draft projection: mid-last first round
- Primary position: left guard, has played several games at right guard as a freshman and sophomore
- Houston Texans fit: extremely high
- Initial evaluation: Gritty leader on a tumultuous Penn State team. The personality, size, tenacity, and agility create an extremely high floor for Ioane. He has three years of starting experience and is a pure guard prospect. His stock could rise through the pre-draft process more than it already has.
Connor Lew, Auburn – C
- Current draft projection: late second, early third
- Primary position: exclusively center
- Houston Texans fit: good
- Initial evaluation: Lew was slated to be the first center off the board, but tore his ACL mid-season. That’s the only blemish on his draft stock as a team captain and three year starter with elite PFF grades. Lew gets his 6’3 frame low to stunt SEC defensive tackles while still being extremely athletic in the open field. Would be an elite fit in Houston’s run scheme. Lew still holds the title of the first center in this class and should be ready mid-season.
Gennings Dunker, Iowa – Right OT/G
- Current draft projection: second round
- Primary position: Right tackle but expected to move inside
- Houston Texans fit: extremely high (most needed position)
- Initial evaluation: Best pure right tackle on day-two, Dunker is a mauler. 6’5, but projected to have shorter arms, he’s expected to move inside at the next level. Dunker is starting to get late-first round pick press due to his quality play against BIG 10 opponents, Bleacher Report has him as a third rounder. While his technique against bigger DL needs...
Battle Red Blog
