badboy
Hall of Fame
Not interested in either ratledge or Mbow (RT only).
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Texans General Draft discussion
- Thread starter steelbtexan
- Start date
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Not enough of a sample size to claim guys aren’t going to be drafted just because they come from a small school. Way too many examples of Caserio not being rigid in his approach to come to that conclusion.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Which small school guys has he drafted, especially on day 1 and 2. None come to my mind, but maybe I am wrong.
TexansFan15
All Pro
Why aren’t you interested in ratledge? Most people on here really like him as an option for us.
The Texans did bring Grant in for a top 30 visit. So maybe they are softening on the no small school MO?
badboy
Hall of Fame
4 years into his Lisfranc injury [2021] plus tight rope ankle surgery in 2024 missing games and then reinjured it (see Tua Tagavailova's history). High risk for re-injury for either. He is a very good Right Guard but no flexibility to other positions. Too high risk.
Has any of those that really like him as an option for us discussed these injuries?
beerlover
Hall of Fame
When you think he (Caserio) will ZIG, then he will ZAG. It’s case by case approach. NDSU is and has been a major football producing factory, especially offensive linemen. Recently, Dillon Radunz, Cordell Volson, Cody Mauch & Jake Kubas to name a few but none of them flash like Grey Zabel. He’s as solid of lock as I’ve seen, to becoming a perennial pro bowl interior lineman, like Texans don’t need that? 
badboy
Hall of Fame
Viewing Charles Grant's evaluation and skill set, with a 98% in both pass and run blocking, I would hope that Nick would not eliminate him just because of the school he went to. I can see that as a minor check box, nowhere near enough to rule him out.
Jackson would be a long time LG and I would draft a project LT next yr.
Porky
Hall of Fame
When you think he (Caserio) will ZIG, then he will ZAG. It’s case by case approach. NDSU is and has been a major football producing factory, especially offensive linemen. Recently, Dillon Radunz, Cordell Volson, Cody Mauch & Jake Kubas to name a few but none of them flash like Grey Zabel. He’s as solid of lock as I’ve seen, to becoming a perennial pro bowl interior lineman, like Texans don’t need that?
I like what I’ve seen, but has he played against Georgia, Texas, Alabama et al? Casserio’ s history suggests he would favor Donovan Jackson, or Booker over Zabel. It’s certainly not out of the question he goes Zabel, but I’d bet he is 3rd on the list above due to his school.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I am still settling in on what I feel would be the best path for team to take in the draft. WR is a need sure but I don’t love the ceiling of this class. I really like Egbuka and Bech as solid steady players, quality WR2s. Those are my favorite prospects if picking in round 1/2 respectively.
OL the biggest need and best fits are guard prospects unless Banks falls round 1. Jackson, Zabel and Booker I could see as long term plus NFL starters. And in the case of Booker it would tell us which direction the team is leaning for their OL going forward (gap vs outside zone). Jackson is the safest pick on the OL in this draft and is the prototype LG. My OG1. Zabel is a wild card.
Then there’s the historically great DL class and I can’t resist the idea of this coaching staff getting their pick of the blue chippers early. They could very well grab a DT with all pro upside with this class meshed with this coaching staff/team. A guy like Harmon, Grant or Nolen added to the DL unit would be the cherry on top of a unit that we would look back on fondly years from now. Probably even earn a cool nickname that sticks like Steel Curtain or Monsters of the Midway!
Then finally there is TE. Caley is a TE coach. This team is in TE purgatory and could use one. There’s some good ones in this class (3 i’d favor to start over Schultz). Warren is a trade way up candidate, Loveland outside shot at 25 and Taylor is a fringe day 1/2 guy.
OL the biggest need and best fits are guard prospects unless Banks falls round 1. Jackson, Zabel and Booker I could see as long term plus NFL starters. And in the case of Booker it would tell us which direction the team is leaning for their OL going forward (gap vs outside zone). Jackson is the safest pick on the OL in this draft and is the prototype LG. My OG1. Zabel is a wild card.
Then there’s the historically great DL class and I can’t resist the idea of this coaching staff getting their pick of the blue chippers early. They could very well grab a DT with all pro upside with this class meshed with this coaching staff/team. A guy like Harmon, Grant or Nolen added to the DL unit would be the cherry on top of a unit that we would look back on fondly years from now. Probably even earn a cool nickname that sticks like Steel Curtain or Monsters of the Midway!
Then finally there is TE. Caley is a TE coach. This team is in TE purgatory and could use one. There’s some good ones in this class (3 i’d favor to start over Schultz). Warren is a trade way up candidate, Loveland outside shot at 25 and Taylor is a fringe day 1/2 guy.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Charles Grant info:
news.wm.edu
36 starts at left tackle, Grant allowed two sacks.
news.wm.edu
www.click2houston.com
Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
news.wm.edu
Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
news.wm.edu
Source: William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant visited Texans, to visit multiple teams, Saints, 49ers workouts
Texans eye offensive line draft class
www.click2houston.com
TexansFan15
All Pro
I like Grant as a developmental option. He also seems like the kind of guy Demeco would love to have on the team.Charles Grant info:
36 starts at left tackle, Grant allowed two sacks.Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
Source: William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant visited Texans, to visit multiple teams, Saints, 49ers workouts
Texans eye offensive line draft class
Number19
Hall of Fame
I'm sticking with WR at 25 and Egbuka is my fallback if Golden and Burden are gone.
Jackson is my OG, but I'm thinking it may take a trade up to get him in the 2nd. And it may take our 2026 2nd to move up sufficiently. This, for me, would be a hard decision to make.
Jackson is my OG, but I'm thinking it may take a trade up to get him in the 2nd. And it may take our 2026 2nd to move up sufficiently. This, for me, would be a hard decision to make.
Seems to have the skills. Will need a " redshirt" season on the practice squad to add mass and strength. Don't have 4th or 6th round picks. So maybe the 5th round if still available, or one of our 7th's.Charles Grant info:
36 starts at left tackle, Grant allowed two sacks.Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
Tribe lineman Charles Grant doesn’t think twice about a selfless act
Charles Grant '25 became the third William & Mary football player to donate bone marrow in the last decade.
Source: William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant visited Texans, to visit multiple teams, Saints, 49ers workouts
Texans eye offensive line draft class
ghostlight
Veteran
My question is do we have a LT that can protect CJ from the NFL caliber edge rushers. If the best of the our patch work players we have fail do protect him then what. It is my opinion that we move up to get the best LT in this draft and not take the chance for next year. This has to be our #1 goal in this draft as we have some draft capital to do it. What good is it to have a first round wr if cj is on his back? As a matter of fact i would also take the best available guard in the second round also.
cland
Rookie
I agree in theory, but the problem is that there isn't a prototypical LT in the 1st round of the draft. I'm still fine taking a potential LT so long as they can play guard as well.
I think the biggest (unanswered) question is how the Texans view Blake Fisher on the left side. He does have the correct arm size (34 3/8) for that position. IMO the question is if he has quick feet to go along with the long arms.
I posted a statistical analysis that showed that 17 out of 19 probowl LTs had 34+ inch arms, the remaining 2 scored 10 on the RAS scale.
If Banks falls to 1-25 he would be my pick. But I would have a hard time passing on Jackson or Taylor.
I bet Caserio/Caley does this.
Adds 2 skill position players in the top 4 picks and an OL.
What's the historical aspect of this DL class?
KoolAid Sipper
AFCEVET
At WR, I like Jalen Royals (Day 2) and Tory Horton (Day 3, due to injury concerns), and I wouldn't be upset if we drafted both. Both possess the talent and versatility to be WR1 or WR2. While Nico is great, he’s also known to miss games due to injury, and the same goes for Christian Kirk over the past few seasons. Adding Royals and Horton would mitigate those injury absences while also contributing immediately. I'd revamp the WR room with better talent. 2 to 3 of the current players (Hutchinson, Metchie, Wayne, X Johnson, and J Johnson III) should be gone via trade or cuts. Only Hutch and Metchie could potentially have some trade value, but it would likely be limited to a 6th or 7th round pick.
But the team, IMO, sees Kirk as the replacement for Diggs, Barrios as Tank's fill in and Justin Watson providing veteran depth. Based on those moves, WR might not be a priority, especially if they believe the younger players on the roster could take a leap similar to Nico's development timeline.
But the team, IMO, sees Kirk as the replacement for Diggs, Barrios as Tank's fill in and Justin Watson providing veteran depth. Based on those moves, WR might not be a priority, especially if they believe the younger players on the roster could take a leap similar to Nico's development timeline.
Barrios is more like Steven Sims replacement. I don't see him getting many snaps on offense. I think the Texans are hoping Watson will be Robert Woods successor. Though he lacks the production.
WR is still a priority. The Tank Dell replacement will come from the draft, though not necessarily on Day 1. There won't be the marquee names from last season, with 7 wideouts going in round one. But the 9 WRs taken on Day 2 in 2024 can easily be matched, if not exceeded. And there is an assortment of big receivers, speed receivers, and slot receivers. I look for Nick to work his WR magic with one of the 3rd round picks.
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Number19
Hall of Fame
Blake Fisher will be the RT.
At LT, we have Cam Robinson, Tytus Howard and Trent Brown. The starter will be whoever wins out in training camp.
Robinson likely has the edge because of experience. You might think Howard has the edge, but he may still be off from his injury in 2023. CnD thinks it possible he may never return to his preinjury form. Brown is also returning from injury. But one of these two will likely be the swing tackle if they're not the starter.
Between the three, I believe/hope the position will be serviceable in '25 and not get CJ killed, especially if we go with a quick passing game and he doesn't hold the ball too long.
ghostlight
Veteran
I agree on the fast pass option that would include Golden if we dont trade up for Banks. CJ has to work on quick ball release once he ID’s target. I just don’t have faith in the FA ol players however i have been wrong in the past. I’ll be on board if we go WR in first.
Or who's left standing.
KoolAid Sipper
AFCEVET
Sims and Tank both returned punts with Sims being let go during the season before Tank got hurt. I mentioned Berrios (drafted by Pats in 2018) as being Tank's replacement because they have a similar dynamic skill set and size. DeMeco called out Berrios as being able to return punts and play in the slot. And TBH, Woods position should have been assumed by one of the younger WRs on the team. As for priority, in my book that means 1st or 2nd rd so we'll see soon.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
The strongest area of the draft class. Possessing top end talent and depth to match. I could easily see 10 DL drafted day 1 with plenty of value available day 2. Solid DL into day 3 this year.
cland
Rookie
Thanks Texans OL coach for setting us straight. :p
If they go into camp with full competition (per DeMeco) I don't see why Fisher wouldn't get a shot at LT. Naming starters and 'who has an edge' at a position is simply speculation.
Caley hasn't seen the Oline perform on the field in his 'gap' scheme, and adding new talent from the draft hasn't happened yet. Heck the fact that Caley is going to run 'gap' is a speculation.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I am not an offensive line coach, but I do agree with number 19. I see no reason as of today for Blake Fisher to see snaps at left tackle as he needs to concentrate on right tackle for now. Whether Caley uses a GAP or ZBS or some of both [i expect the latter] it should not impact any of the linemen we have at this moment.
cland
Rookie
I think there is a big difference in the traditional gap and zone lineman, on the interior line in particular. Zone typically needs smaller and lateral movement guys, where as gap needs powerful straight ahead guys. I've said it before but I look at Scruggs as a ZBS only guy, as he seems to be undersized for a gap scheme.
Wonder what the record is? Maybe I'll look it up tomorrow.
Errant Hothy
Hypermediocrity
Got the feeling this may change things a little bit
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
@Lucky
2019 had 11 DL go round 1. Many of whom have earned second contracts with the team that drafted them and one NFL DPOY. 19 DL in top 100.
2023 had 10 DL go round 1. And it looks like both Will Anderson and Jalen Carter are legit contenders for NFL DPOY going into their third seasons. 22 DL in top 100.
I’d expect this class will have at least 10 go round 1 and could possibly eclipse 2023’s number taken in top 100. “Historical” was strong wording but just meant that it’s a really strong class of DL.
www.drafthistory.com
www.drafthistory.com
2019 had 11 DL go round 1. Many of whom have earned second contracts with the team that drafted them and one NFL DPOY. 19 DL in top 100.
2023 had 10 DL go round 1. And it looks like both Will Anderson and Jalen Carter are legit contenders for NFL DPOY going into their third seasons. 22 DL in top 100.
I’d expect this class will have at least 10 go round 1 and could possibly eclipse 2023’s number taken in top 100. “Historical” was strong wording but just meant that it’s a really strong class of DL.
DraftHistory.com
DraftHistory.com
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I read the Dolphins were expecting Armstead to retire. Many mocks have Banks going to them. I’d expect that to happen as well.
I've been seeing a OT mocked to the Dolphins for awhile now.
badboy
Hall of Fame
2025 NFL Mock Draft | Tankathon
2025 NFL Mock Draft with live-updating draft order after every game. Team needs are factored into the player selections.
2025 NFL Mock Draft – WalterFootball
walterfootball.com
Number19
Hall of Fame
The more drafted day 1, the more someone slides.
Number19
Hall of Fame
Didn't they bring someone in for an interview who weighed, like, 300 lbs and was described as a "zone heavy" prospect, in his profile.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I can copy and paste a couple mock drafta too… But nflmockdraftdatabase already did it for me and the consensus pick is Dolphins draft Banks:2025 NFL Mock Draft | Tankathon
2025 NFL Mock Draft with live-updating draft order after every game. Team needs are factored into the player selections.www.tankathon.com
2025 NFL Mock Draft – WalterFootball
Kelvin Banks Draft Profile 2025 | NFL Mock Draft Database
Tracking where Kelvin Banks could be drafted in the 2025 NFL mock draft.
www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Texans prospect visit for WR. Day 1/2 prospects in bold. Lots of emphasis on the position. I would lean toward a prospect that has shown they can play outside. I think Kirk is going to fill the Diggs role and be the main slot WR.
Will be interesting to see how often Texans use two TE sets or if they lean towards 11 personnel. I think the latter as that will be Stroud’s preference. Emphasis needs to be on getting the ball in receiver’s hands quickly to help out the OL. That means targeting guys who can make the intermediate routes automatic. I expect a WR to be taken either round 1 or 2 given the value of the position (WR contracts getting more and more expensive).
WR
Jeremiah Hunter (Tropical)
Isaac Teslaa Arkansas (COM)
Emeka Egbuka OSU (COM)
Nick Nash SJSU (COM)
Jaylin Noel ISU (COM)
Bru McCoy Tennessee (COM)
Jack Bech TCU (SB, COM)
Elic Ayomanor Stanford (COM)
Jayden Higgins ISU (COM)
Pat Bryant Illinois (COM)
Xavier Restrepo Miami (COM)
Sam Brown Jr Miami (EW, COM)
Mathew Golden Texas (30)
Kyle Williams WSU (30)
Ife Adeyi SHSU (locPD)
Isaiah Bond Texas (Zoom)
Will be interesting to see how often Texans use two TE sets or if they lean towards 11 personnel. I think the latter as that will be Stroud’s preference. Emphasis needs to be on getting the ball in receiver’s hands quickly to help out the OL. That means targeting guys who can make the intermediate routes automatic. I expect a WR to be taken either round 1 or 2 given the value of the position (WR contracts getting more and more expensive).
WR
Jeremiah Hunter (Tropical)
Isaac Teslaa Arkansas (COM)
Emeka Egbuka OSU (COM)
Nick Nash SJSU (COM)
Jaylin Noel ISU (COM)
Bru McCoy Tennessee (COM)
Jack Bech TCU (SB, COM)
Elic Ayomanor Stanford (COM)
Jayden Higgins ISU (COM)
Pat Bryant Illinois (COM)
Xavier Restrepo Miami (COM)
Sam Brown Jr Miami (EW, COM)
Mathew Golden Texas (30)
Kyle Williams WSU (30)
Ife Adeyi SHSU (locPD)
Isaiah Bond Texas (Zoom)
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
If you haven’t noticed, i’ve been doing a WR deep dive this weekend. Based off prospect visit list and combining that with my own research…
Round 1 targets:
Golden
Egbuka
Round 2:
Higgins
Bech
Williams
Noel
Round 3:
Ayomanor
Bond
Nash
Restrepo
Of these visits I would remove Noel, Bond and Restrepo because i’m not sold they can play much outside in the NFL.
Higgins most upside but imo he wont help in the biggest need area of the passing game year 1 (short to intermediate routes) as Golden, Egbuka, Bech and Williams would.
Will be interesting to see Texans draft strategy. Do they build their WR room with distinctly different players (Nico, Kirk and a guy in between those two body types/styles) or do they swing for the fences and try to get two Nicos? Higgins might need to be taken at 25 if Texans want him and I just don’t know if I want to gamble on that upside there with other projected players available.
Egbuka already has chemistry with Stroud, played mostly slot in college but projects to be able to handle outside duties. Does everything asked of him and does it well. OSU WR room made it easy to stick him in the slot but i’m sure if he was at another school and asked to play outside he would have done it well. My preference if they go WR round 1.
Golden fast riser due to rapid growth last season and CFB playoff production. But lack of production leading to that point gives me pause. Did he finally figure it out? Or was it a flash in the pan? I am not as interested in Golden as other draftniks.
Bech can make the intermediate routes automatic but physical limitations give him lowest ceiling of the day 1/2 prospects. Will not offer deep threat and despite size, needs to develop as a blocker.
Williams might be the Tank Dell replacement. But body type and style gives me pause he can hold up as an outside WR often. I’d prefer a little more contribution as a run blocker for the outside WR and I suspect Caley will as well.
Ayomanor and Nash would be fine developmental picks in round 3 but I don’t see them gaining meaningful playing time outside of injury year 1.
Round 1 targets:
Golden
Egbuka
Round 2:
Higgins
Bech
Williams
Noel
Round 3:
Ayomanor
Bond
Nash
Restrepo
Of these visits I would remove Noel, Bond and Restrepo because i’m not sold they can play much outside in the NFL.
Higgins most upside but imo he wont help in the biggest need area of the passing game year 1 (short to intermediate routes) as Golden, Egbuka, Bech and Williams would.
Will be interesting to see Texans draft strategy. Do they build their WR room with distinctly different players (Nico, Kirk and a guy in between those two body types/styles) or do they swing for the fences and try to get two Nicos? Higgins might need to be taken at 25 if Texans want him and I just don’t know if I want to gamble on that upside there with other projected players available.
Egbuka already has chemistry with Stroud, played mostly slot in college but projects to be able to handle outside duties. Does everything asked of him and does it well. OSU WR room made it easy to stick him in the slot but i’m sure if he was at another school and asked to play outside he would have done it well. My preference if they go WR round 1.
Golden fast riser due to rapid growth last season and CFB playoff production. But lack of production leading to that point gives me pause. Did he finally figure it out? Or was it a flash in the pan? I am not as interested in Golden as other draftniks.
Bech can make the intermediate routes automatic but physical limitations give him lowest ceiling of the day 1/2 prospects. Will not offer deep threat and despite size, needs to develop as a blocker.
Williams might be the Tank Dell replacement. But body type and style gives me pause he can hold up as an outside WR often. I’d prefer a little more contribution as a run blocker for the outside WR and I suspect Caley will as well.
Ayomanor and Nash would be fine developmental picks in round 3 but I don’t see them gaining meaningful playing time outside of injury year 1.
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badboy
Hall of Fame
Yep but enough who see him later to give hope. I'm all in with Conerly. I think the majority of us are going to be extremely happy after this next draft.I can copy and paste a couple mock drafta too… But nflmockdraftdatabase already did it for me and the consensus pick is Dolphins draft Banks:
Kelvin Banks Draft Profile 2025 | NFL Mock Draft Database
Tracking where Kelvin Banks could be drafted in the 2025 NFL mock draft.
badboy
Hall of Fame
As I think Golden will likely be gone, I am focusing more on Jayden Higgins round 2. Kyle Williams with second round 3. Talk about deep and fast. Conerly and Grant; maybe Harold Fannin round 5 if he falls.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Interesting information and thanks for the time you put in. I think a Matthew Golden or Jayden Higgins opposite Nico would open up the middle more for Schultz or Joe Mixon so I am down with either one of those guys and would be very pleased if we could get both.
Example, if Ryans thinks Robinson/Trent Brown can maintain tackle for 2025:
Golden 1. Higgins 2 (possible trade up) 3 .79 Grant 3.89?
I would say TE is just as big a need as WR.
cland
Rookie
300lbs is almost a baseline for OLmen, but the "Zone typically needs smaller and lateral movement guys" line was simply physics. Its easier for smaller guys to have better lateral movement. Now some guys are physically skilled enough that they are described as "scheme neutral" meaning that they have both the lateral movement to play zone and the power to play gap.
In the olden days, the Broncos were able to pick up smaller/quicker lineman much later in the draft and still put together a great line. (They were one of the very few teams that ran the ZBS.)
badboy
Hall of Fame
Disagree. We rarely use tight end. We have one solid starter in Collins. A tight end is not a good target for Stroud. Even with Loveland or warren, I think they might get 600 yd. A wide receiver like golden or Higgins could get you a thousand easily.
Earlier, someone posted an article saying that Stroud preferred an eleven offense over two tight ends which should tell us something.
This is only because the Texans have never even had an avg TE except for OD. It was sad that even though they were running a WCO last year they couldn't get the TE involved. I look at the TE as much more than a receiver and a TE that can block and get down field, catch is usually a key to a good offense. Look at the Chiefs and Eagles as examples. Blocking is the key for me.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Oh.. I get it however, I also know that you get we don't use our tight ends the way they're supposed to be and haven't since Daniels.
It may change with our new offensive coordinator but it would be like drafting a Juice Scruggs every year and hope he's going to become a starter. Blocking seems to be the key with an occasional pass and darn we can get a offensive lineman to block or put a strong fullback on the line.
cland
Rookie
Why you gonna hate on Billy MIller? (In the first ever game, on that one play.
)
If Walker and Campbell are drafted as Edges, I think it will be 11 d-linemen in the 1st.