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General manager Nick Caserio was honest when he said the Houston Texans could be making moves on Thursday night at the 2025 NFL draft, though most assumed it would be early picks.
Instead, the Texans won’t pick until the second selection in the second round on Friday in Round 2. Once a run of talent went on interior offensive linemen, it became clear that Houston was going after draft picks than one certain player.
“We felt like the value to draft was basically in the middle, so try to take advantage of our opportunities here tomorrow,” Caserio said following Thursday’s first round. “Put ourselves in a pretty good position next year as well: One, two twos, two threes, two fours. We’ve always talked about just creating as much flexibility and optionality for us as possible, and that’s where we are.”
Yes, the Texans are in a strong spot while waiting for the Cleveland Browns to kickstart the draft Friday evening. Entering Thursday, Houston owned seven picks. It enters Friday morning with 10, including five picks in Rounds 2-3.
Who could be in play for the Texans? Which offensive lineman might be the breakout player of 2025? Here’s a dozen players that could make sense for Houston with one of its two second-round picks entering the early hours of Friday’s draft.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
The production wasn’t quite there for the former five-star signee, but don’t let that fool you. Luther Burden III will be a problem at the next level for an offense that unleashes him. Missouri’s offense and quarterback play were hit or miss, and that seemed to be a huge reason for the drop-off. Given that C.J. Stroud is a solid upgrade over Brady Cook, Burden could be in line for a breakout season with the Texans should he come off the board at No. 34.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Emmanwori is a sideline-to-sideline heat-seeking missile when he gets going. He showed a lot of promise on film to go along with his production as both a coverage safety and as someone playing around the line of scrimmage. A good defensive coordinator could draw up plenty of packages for Emmanwori. Doesn’t he look like a DeMeco Ryans’ type player? 10. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Henderson is an explosive running back with upside as a receiver out of the backfield. Just ask Texas’ defense how quickly he can leave you behind. He split carries with Quinshon Judkins this past year but still put up some ridiculous numbers, including a career-best 7.1 yards per carry. Find a way to put the ball in his hands and look out. Could the Texans see that as a win to pair with Joe Mixon?
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Two tight ends came off the board in the first round, and the next could be Taylor. He has all the makings of a great option up the seams. He comes from NFL bloodlines as his dad (Jason Taylor) and uncle (Zach Thomas) played a combined 30 years in the NFL. Dalton Schultz might not be the long-term option for the Texans anymore, so new offensive coordinator Nick Caley could use a steady No. 2 target.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
A two-year starter at left tackle, Ersery was linked to the Texans in several mocks during the first round. Could he land as the future left tackle while sitting for a season behind Cam Robinson? Maybe that’s not the worst plan ever.
Top 20 remaining targets for Texans
- 6. Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
- 7. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
- 8. Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
- 9. Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
- 10. Jonah Savaiinaea, OG, Arizona
- 11. Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
- 12. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon
- 13. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
- 14. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
- 15. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
- 16. TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina
- 17. Marcus Mbow, OG, Purdue
- 18. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
- 19. Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
- 20. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
- 21. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
- 22. Jack Bech, WR, TCU
- 23. Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
- 24. Shermar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
- 25. Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia Bulldogs
#Texans #select
