Houston Texans 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Houston Texans, the biggest need is an obvious one: Interior offensive line.

Solidifying the trenches must continue to be a priority for the Texans. Houston has guards Ed Ingram and Wyatt Teller along with Jake Andrews in the interior, but they need more depth at the position after they ranked in the bottom three in both pass block win rate and run block win rate, via ESPN. Additionally, the Texans could continue to bolster their defensive tackle position to complement their outstanding edge rush duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

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Here's everything you need to know about the Houston Texans for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

Houston Texans NFL Draft best prospect fit: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

Houston needs a big body in the middle of the defensive line to free up Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to wreak havoc on opposing offensive linemen. Banks brings size with impressive explosiveness for a player measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds. A foot injury at the combine could cause him to fall and the Texans may be able to sweep him up late in Round 1.

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Houston Texans NFL Draft trade candidate: QB Davis Mills

Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy:

The Texans should not touch their defense given the dominance the unit has displayed in recent years. Texans GM Nick Caserio has made it clear that he and the team have no intentions of trading quarterback C.J. Stroud this offseason, but what about Mills? Houston's backup quarterback has a solid resume: two years of starting experience, plus a 3-0 record filling in for Stroud in 2025. The Texans likely wouldn't recoup overly valuable draft picks in return for Mills, but there would be a few teams interested in trading for a more competent backup quarterback. Houston could go on to draft a quarterback this year to replace Mills, simultaneously preparing a contingency plan for a post-Stroud era in future years. The Texans' starter has regressed since his strong rookie season, and his playoff meltdowns are still fresh. If the Texans aren't convinced he'll bounce back, they should start planning ahead. Trading Mills gives them some of the leeway needed to do so.

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Houston Texans NFL Draft Picks by round

Round 1

• No. 28 (1.28)

Round 2

• No. 38 (2.6) from Commanders
• No. 59 (2.27)

Round 3

• No. 69 (3.5) from Giants

Round 4

• No. 106 (4.6) from Commanders

Round 5

• No. 141 (5.1) from Raiders via Browns
• No. 167 (5.27)

Round 6

• None

Round 7

• No. 243 (7.27) from 49ers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Texans 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions