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Draft Tracker 2025

5 picks in the next 66 or so draft picks...let's open a beverage of choice and see what ol Slick Nick does today. Give me a couple of OL and a WR. And if the Miami TE slips, get him! Call it a day and go smoke the Colts and the Jaggies and Sunshine for the next couple years!
 
This is from pro football scout Chatgpt -

Top Prospects for the Texans at Pick #34​


1. Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota)​


Ersery, a 6'6", 331-pound left tackle, was a three-year starter at Minnesota and won the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2024. He allowed just one sack last season and has shown significant development since starting football in high school. Given the Texans' need to bolster their offensive line, Ersery could be a strong candidate. Houston Chronicle


2. Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)​


Ratledge is a powerful interior lineman with experience at right guard. His strength and run-blocking prowess make him a potential fit for the Texans, who are seeking to improve their offensive line's interior. Some projections have him going at pick #34, which aligns with Houston's selection. Pride Of Detroit


3. Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)​


Burden, a 6'0", 203-pound receiver, had a standout sophomore season with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Although his junior year saw a dip in production, his after-the-catch ability remains elite. With the Texans looking to add dynamic playmakers, Burden could be an intriguing option. Houston Chronicle


4. Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)​


Alexander is a 6'4", 305-pound defensive tackle known for his run-stopping abilities. He recorded 20 tackles for loss over his final three seasons and led Toledo with 37 pressures in 2024. The Texans have a need at defensive tackle, and Alexander's connection to Houston's assistant defensive line coach Frank Okam, who coached him at Toledo, could make him a target. Houston Chronicle


5. Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)​


Taylor, standing at 6'5" and weighing 246 pounds, set LSU records for tight ends with 129 career catches and 1,308 receiving yards. While more of a receiving threat than a blocker, his NFL pedigree (son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor) and pass-catching skills could add a new dimension to the Texans' offense. Houston Chronicle


Texans' Draft Strategy​


General Manager Nick Caserio emphasized the value in the middle rounds, stating, "We think we're going to get some pretty good football players tomorrow." With multiple picks on Day 2, the Texans are well-positioned to address several roster needs and add impactful players. Official Site of the Houston TexansHouston Chronicle


The Texans have also conducted pre-draft visits with several prospects, including offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (Michigan), indicating interest in bolstering both lines. Battle Red Blog


As the draft progresses, Houston's selections will provide insight into their strategic priorities and how they plan to support quarterback C.J. Stroud in the upcoming season.Battle Red Blog

Out of these players, who do y'all want?
 
OptimisticTexan said:
That would be my RD2 picks. RB- Henderson (Ohio State) and WR- Higgins (Iowa State).

My only question is what Caserio and Ryans are thinking about Pierce. If they’re willing to give him a big shot at fitting into the new offense, then Henderson as a draft pick may only be a desire of some by us.
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From what I'm hearing is that there is not much confidence of Pierce in the building, even with another coach.

Henderson had a setback in Dec 2022 with a foot injury which included ligament tear and fracture. Several sources reported that the injury was a Lisfranc. and that he required surgery which would keep him off the field for 4-6 months. When he returned, he had a great set of seasons, having everyone talk about his miraculous performance (in light of the fact that Lisfrancs are virtually a death knell for running backs.

As it turns out, the fracture was of a sesamoid bone and the tear was to the ligament that attaches to the sesamoid bone. This injury also fit the 4-6 month postop rehab and the fracture/ligament picture, BUT with a 95% return usually without affect on performance or with long-term problems.

For those interested:

Two pea-sized bones, called sesamoids, are embedded within the soft tissues under the main joint of the big toe. Even though they are small in size, the sesamoids play an important role in how the foot and big toe work. If the sesamoids are injured, they can be a source of severe pain and disability, especially with any attempt to push off.

1745611703986.png

******************

From an interview with Henderson (He was a tough SOB to play on it for as long as he did):

He also cleared the air for the first time after expressing frustration at the end of last year over fan reaction to his being in and out of the lineup because of injury most of the season.

“It doesn’t really phase me what the fans say because they don’t know what they don’t know,” he said. “But what matters to me most is the people above, the people who really matters the most. I just felt like it was important for them to know those things. I didn’t want to make it seem like I’m soft because that’s never the question. I’ll play for anything. I’ll do anything to be on the field with my team, and I’ve been doing everything I possibly could to be on my team all last season. So whatever the outsiders say, that really means nothing to me.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day being opaque about Henderson’s health status much of the year added to the confusion around his situation, but Henderson shed light on what exactly he was dealing with.

It turns out he fractured one of the sesamoid bones in his left foot.

“So you got two of those, and when they did the X-ray, I basically had three,” Henderson said in reference to a small bone that is embedded in soft tissue and aids in flexibility and movement. “So my bone had split, and that’s like the bone you need to actually push off. So basically I couldn’t push off that whole last season. Every time I tried to push off I was basically re-fracturing that bone. And then I tore some ligaments and tendons, so my foot was basically beat up.”

Henderson first hurt his foot in Week 3 against Toledo but still played in eight games total and finished with 571 yards and six touchdowns.

He still ran for 121 yards against Wisconsin on Sept. 24 and 118 yards at Michigan State two weeks later but played in only three of Ohio State’s last seven games and rarely looked like himself when he was in the lineup.

“I just thank God for giving me the strength to play through the games that I played and getting me through the season,” he said. “It was tough just going into games. I was barely practicing all last season and then not going into the games confident, wondering will I be able to just cut again. Will I be able to be full speed again? Will I be able to just be myself, you know? And then I feel like that affected me a lot.”
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IDEXAN said:
So you think Nick srcewed up not taking Conerly or Simmons ?
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Yes, regarding Conerly, unless he bombed his top thirty visit with Texans (can’t imagine what happened)? Or if excuse was, they needed impact player in 2025, that no possibility he could compete & win starting LT duties over Cam Robinson? Just look who drafted him #29? The same team that traded for Laremy Tunsil. Commanders are protecting their franchise QB now and in the future.

Heard they didn’t like feedback from Ohio State coaches about Simmons work ethic despite being clear top tackle prospect, who’s back-up was Donovan Jackson, drafted #24. Then there was no small issue with foot injury and possibly red shirt 2025 season. So figured Texans would pass on him, but might have worked out if they believed in him?
 
I was annoyed we didn't pick but it was more about the waiting eagerly to see who we went with only to delay.

Strategically I get it and am not mad.... but if I had known pick Id have "meh"ed day one.

That said, I'd happily take a dull draft day if it prevents a dull season.

Now, thanks to CND Im gonna say I injured my sesamoids.... just to see how many people think Im talking dirty.
 
Number19 said:
I see a lot of support for Ratledge, but I'm going with Wyatt Milum, not as a tackle, but inside as a LG, with the ability to play either tackle positions if called on to do so.

Rutledge would be a fallback choice.

I like Higgins, as well, at 34, and I believe he'll go off the boards quickly, but I believe they'll be a WR available with our second 2nd round pick, maybe after a trade up.
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yep all good selections I just want to get to it and select your OL guys so we can build on from there early for this season.
 
banned1976 said:
This is from pro football scout Chatgpt -

Top Prospects for the Texans at Pick #34​


1. Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota)​


Ersery, a 6'6", 331-pound left tackle, was a three-year starter at Minnesota and won the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2024. He allowed just one sack last season and has shown significant development since starting football in high school. Given the Texans' need to bolster their offensive line, Ersery could be a strong candidate. Houston Chronicle


2. Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)​


Ratledge is a powerful interior lineman with experience at right guard. His strength and run-blocking prowess make him a potential fit for the Texans, who are seeking to improve their offensive line's interior. Some projections have him going at pick #34, which aligns with Houston's selection. Pride Of Detroit


3. Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)​


Burden, a 6'0", 203-pound receiver, had a standout sophomore season with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Although his junior year saw a dip in production, his after-the-catch ability remains elite. With the Texans looking to add dynamic playmakers, Burden could be an intriguing option. Houston Chronicle


4. Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)​


Alexander is a 6'4", 305-pound defensive tackle known for his run-stopping abilities. He recorded 20 tackles for loss over his final three seasons and led Toledo with 37 pressures in 2024. The Texans have a need at defensive tackle, and Alexander's connection to Houston's assistant defensive line coach Frank Okam, who coached him at Toledo, could make him a target. Houston Chronicle


5. Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)​


Taylor, standing at 6'5" and weighing 246 pounds, set LSU records for tight ends with 129 career catches and 1,308 receiving yards. While more of a receiving threat than a blocker, his NFL pedigree (son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor) and pass-catching skills could add a new dimension to the Texans' offense. Houston Chronicle


Texans' Draft Strategy​


General Manager Nick Caserio emphasized the value in the middle rounds, stating, "We think we're going to get some pretty good football players tomorrow." With multiple picks on Day 2, the Texans are well-positioned to address several roster needs and add impactful players. Official Site of the Houston TexansHouston Chronicle


The Texans have also conducted pre-draft visits with several prospects, including offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (Michigan), indicating interest in bolstering both lines. Battle Red Blog


As the draft progresses, Houston's selections will provide insight into their strategic priorities and how they plan to support quarterback C.J. Stroud in the upcoming season.Battle Red Blog

Out of these players, who do y'all want?
Click to expand...
Tate and/or Ersery hell go for both of them
 
beerlover said:
Yes, regarding Conerly, unless he bombed his top thirty visit with Texans (can’t imagine what happened)? Or if excuse was, they needed impact player in 2025, that no possibility he could compete & win starting LT duties over Cam Robinson? Just look who drafted him #29? The same team that traded for Laremy Tunsil. Commanders are protecting their franchise QB now and in the future.

Heard they didn’t like feedback from Ohio State coaches about Simmons work ethic despite being clear top tackle prospect, who’s back-up was Donovan Jackson, drafted #24. Then there was no small issue with foot injury and possibly red shirt 2025 season. So figured Texans would pass on him, but might have worked out if they believed in him?
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It was a knee injury. I wouldn't place confidence in an LT's post patellar tendon rupture return/performance. Brown was a very exceptional case.
 
beerlover said:
Yes, regarding Conerly, unless he bombed his top thirty visit with Texans (can’t imagine what happened)? Or if excuse was, they needed impact player in 2025, that no possibility he could compete & win starting LT duties over Cam Robinson? Just look who drafted him #29? The same team that traded for Laremy Tunsil. Commanders are protecting their franchise QB now and in the future.

Heard they didn’t like feedback from Ohio State coaches about Simmons work ethic despite being clear top tackle prospect, who’s back-up was Donovan Jackson, drafted #24. Then there was no small issue with foot injury and possibly red shirt 2025 season. So figured Texans would pass on him, but might have worked out if they believed in him?
Click to expand...
Well it's really puzzling to me because one of the OT Joshs went to Washington and the other to the Chiefs (those are two pretty good teams), and Oline is thought to be our biggest need and yet we pass on the both of them.
 
Texian said:
How is it the Master Trader missed out on Atlanta as the Falcons skipped the Master Trader and gave the Rams at #26, one spot behind the Texans at #25, their #46 pick and a 2026 1st RD pick? One would think that Master Trader would have called these teams before draft to inform that #25 was available for their 2nd RD and a 2026 1st RD. How is it the Rams could get a 2026 1st RD pick at #26 and the Texans could not at #25?
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I see the Master Complainer keeps finding ways to b!tch about ANYTHING.
 
Heard on Dallas radio that there was interest from the Texans to trade up to Cowboys 12 spot, but the draft capital Houston was offering was next year, not this, so the Cowboys didn't do it.
 
beerlover said:
Yes, regarding Conerly, unless he bombed his top thirty visit with Texans (can’t imagine what happened)? Or if excuse was, they needed impact player in 2025, that no possibility he could compete & win starting LT duties over Cam Robinson? Just look who drafted him #29? The same team that traded for Laremy Tunsil. Commanders are protecting their franchise QB now and in the future.

Heard they didn’t like feedback from Ohio State coaches about Simmons work ethic despite being clear top tackle prospect, who’s back-up was Donovan Jackson, drafted #24. Then there was no small issue with foot injury and possibly red shirt 2025 season. So figured Texans would pass on him, but might have worked out if they believed in him?
Click to expand...
Honestly I think any o-lineman in the 2nd plus another in the 3rd is better than just Conerly.

Conerly could literally be Tunsil reincarnated and it wouldn’t help this o-line because we’ve already seen that movie.

This is a problem that needs to be addressed by multiple picks - not just one.
 
IDEXAN said:
Well it's really puzzling to me because one of the OT Joshs went to Washington and the other to the Chiefs (those are two pretty good teams), and Oline is thought to be our biggest need and yet we pass on the both of them.
Click to expand...
Going by recent history the Chiefs seem to judge and develop interior talent very well and tackle talent very poorly.
 
badboy said:
And you are assuming that Nick sees our left tackle the same way you do. I have mentioned this frequently in different threads that he may be okay with Robinson if he cannot get the exact player he wants. I think all of us are reading in the draft that he was interested in banks but was not going to pay the price. Let's not forget that he is paying Robinson a starter wage.
Click to expand...
If he wants a true franchise LT, a 2nd 2026 1st RD pick would do that. He could package the 2 first RD picks to move up into the Top 10 in the 2026 draft and have his pick of the litter of LT. You called him the Trade Master. I think you confused Trade Master with being the Spinmeister. That and he makes one hell of a batch of Kool-Aid. :bravo::handshake:
 
Texian said:
If he wants a true franchise LT, a 2nd 2026 1st RD pick would do that. He could package the 2 first RD picks to move up into the Top 10 in the 2026 draft and have his pick of the litter of LT. You called him the Trade Master. I think you confused Trade Master with being the Spinmeister. That and he makes one hell of a batch of Kool-Aid. :bravo::handshake:
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Time for some trades no?
 
paycheck71 said:
I see the Master Complainer keeps finding ways to b!tch about ANYTHING.
Click to expand...
I see it as being a few steps above average and ordinary. A commitment to excellence. If I were a Master Complainer, I would have shown up the day after the Super Bowl complaining about all those Georgia players drafted by the Eagles that I thought the Texans should have drafted.
 
Matt Milum ......... Dylan Fairchild ........ Seth McLaughlin ......... Tate Ratledge ......... Ozzie Trapilo........ Where they played in college .... starting thought !
 
banned1976 said:
This is from pro football scout Chatgpt -

Top Prospects for the Texans at Pick #34​


1. Aireontae Ersery (OT, Minnesota)​


Ersery, a 6'6", 331-pound left tackle, was a three-year starter at Minnesota and won the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award in 2024. He allowed just one sack last season and has shown significant development since starting football in high school. Given the Texans' need to bolster their offensive line, Ersery could be a strong candidate. Houston Chronicle


2. Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)​


Ratledge is a powerful interior lineman with experience at right guard. His strength and run-blocking prowess make him a potential fit for the Texans, who are seeking to improve their offensive line's interior. Some projections have him going at pick #34, which aligns with Houston's selection. Pride Of Detroit


3. Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri)​


Burden, a 6'0", 203-pound receiver, had a standout sophomore season with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Although his junior year saw a dip in production, his after-the-catch ability remains elite. With the Texans looking to add dynamic playmakers, Burden could be an intriguing option. Houston Chronicle


4. Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)​


Alexander is a 6'4", 305-pound defensive tackle known for his run-stopping abilities. He recorded 20 tackles for loss over his final three seasons and led Toledo with 37 pressures in 2024. The Texans have a need at defensive tackle, and Alexander's connection to Houston's assistant defensive line coach Frank Okam, who coached him at Toledo, could make him a target. Houston Chronicle


5. Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)​


Taylor, standing at 6'5" and weighing 246 pounds, set LSU records for tight ends with 129 career catches and 1,308 receiving yards. While more of a receiving threat than a blocker, his NFL pedigree (son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor) and pass-catching skills could add a new dimension to the Texans' offense. Houston Chronicle


Texans' Draft Strategy​


General Manager Nick Caserio emphasized the value in the middle rounds, stating, "We think we're going to get some pretty good football players tomorrow." With multiple picks on Day 2, the Texans are well-positioned to address several roster needs and add impactful players. Official Site of the Houston TexansHouston Chronicle


The Texans have also conducted pre-draft visits with several prospects, including offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (Michigan), indicating interest in bolstering both lines. Battle Red Blog


As the draft progresses, Houston's selections will provide insight into their strategic priorities and how they plan to support quarterback C.J. Stroud in the upcoming season.Battle Red Blog

Out of these players, who do y'all want?
Click to expand...
None.
 
cland said:
Here's my general day 2 question. Do you like Tate Ratledge (oft-injured: ACL, tightrope surgery) or Jonah Savaiinaea at G? Do you take LT project Charles Grant? Who's your top receiver?
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I prefer Jonah. I think he’s got the highest ceiling at interior OL in this draft. True junior that played all over the line at Arizona with all the physical tools you could ask for in an OG.

Top WR Jayden Higgins, I think he’s highest ceiling WR in this draft.

If Nick can find a way to get both of them I will be thrilled. But it’ll require a trade up from 58 imo.
 
cland said:
Here's my general day 2 question. Do you like Tate Ratledge (oft-injured: ACL, tightrope surgery) or Jonah Savaiinaea at G? Do you take LT project Charles Grant? Who's your top receiver?
Click to expand...
I think Charles Grant in the 3rd makes the most sense if we’re drafting a tackle. Between Robinson, Fisher, and Howard a starting tackle probably isn’t on the cards so it makes the most sense to go for the highest upside one that needs development.

If we’re going G I prefer the players who have played G over those that you have to make a projection about them switching from T to G.
 
I’ve seen a lot of people advocating for Higgins but while I wouldn’t be upset to have him I actually preferred his teammate Noel as a player to Higgins.

Could also be fun if Caserio managed to finesse getting them both.
 
Sweech said:
I’ve seen a lot of people advocating for Higgins but while I wouldn’t be upset to have him I actually preferred his teammate Noel as a player to Higgins.

Could also be fun if Caserio managed to finesse getting them both.
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Both are indeed good but I'd prefer Higgins because of his size. Both would be great if they weren't so close together in rank.
 
Took a look at the 2026 OT's and there may be as many as four carrying early grades higher than any OT's this year. 2026 is shaping up to be real deep in the OL class.

I'm leaning to trading down from 34 and stock piling more 2026 picks.

The way they're talking on TV, they're expecting a run on WR's, but we should still get one after trading down. OLmen may slide and be available with our second 2nd round pick.
 
cland said:
I'm starting to think there was some failed nation-wide genetic experiment when this class of OTs were born. How can Chase Lundt be 6'8" with only 32 inch arms.
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Good point idnk so I researched and found this article on such. There ya go but example is
"It's not the most important thing," Mora said. "If you said I could have a guy with 35-inch arms but he had average feet and average lateral quickness then I would say, 'Well, I don't know, what's my alternative?' Then say, 'OK, you can have a guy with 33 1/2-inch arms with great lateral quickness.' I'd take the 33 1/2-inch arms with lateral quickness every single day.

www.si.com

Does Arm Length Really Matter for NFL Offensive Tackles?

The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an interesting predicament when it comes to securing their future at offensive tackle. Does a shorter-armed prospect point toward lesser production at the NFL level?
www.si.com www.si.com
 
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