After winning consecutive AFC South titles with 10-7 records, the Houston Texans are set up well for their future. However, if they are going to take the next step and progress further than the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, they will need to make key additions at valuable spots.
This 7-Round NFL Mock Draft addresses Houston’s immediate needs and adds quality depth to the roster on Day 3.
7-Round Houston Texans Mock Draft
The Texans are the team to beat in the AFC South, and by making strategic picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, they can further assert their dominance over their rivals. Houston’s roster is relatively strong, lacking the numerous weaknesses that many other teams in the conference have, which allows them to take a more focused approach.
However, they have specific needs, particularly on the interior offensive line and defensive tackle positions. Fortunately, this draft class is rich in talent for the trenches.
Round 1, Pick 25: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Texans need to improve their interior offensive line. C.J. Stroud was the second most sacked quarterback in the NFL in 2024, meaning it has to be the priority for the Texans front office.
Grey Zabel projects best as a guard, but he could genuinely play all five spots. A stout pass blocker with substantial lower half mass to maintain his anchor, the 6’5”, 316-pound offensive lineman negates rushers with his punchy hands and concrete base.
Meanwhile, as a run blocker, Zabel maintains his low pad level to attack underneath defenders where his grippy hands displace blockers, and his fluid movement allows him to move laterally and climb to the second level.
Round 2, Pick 58: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
Darius Alexander has developed into a refined, polished prospect who operates with clean technique and above-average athleticism.
Every Darius Alexander 1-on-1 from the Senior Bowl – this is what it looks like pic.twitter.com/qSu0VxExll
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 30, 2025
The Toledo Rockets’ defensive tackle benefits from a mature frame and his experience (he will be a 24-year-old rookie), where his swim move overwhelms through the interior, while his low pad level and dominating athleticism will see him make plays early and often as a rookie.
Round 3, Pick 89: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Tory Horton missed most of the 2024 college football season due to a substantial knee injury that required surgery. It has seen the Colorado State Rams receiver be somewhat disregarded in this wide receiver class, but don’t let his production go under the radar.
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Horton had back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 of over 1,100+ receiving yards and eight touchdowns, and the prototypical receiver can translate that to the NFL. A powerful runner with instantaneous change of direction, the 6’1”, 187-pound receiver can be an immediate vertical threat who can haul in balls with his wide catch radius and physicality at the catch point.
Round 4, Pick 127: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
A physical, powerful, potent second-level player, Jack Kiser’s unrelenting motor and violent mentality bring strong character to the NFL. A team leader at Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish linebacker is aggressive against the run, possessing the fluid movement and range to move around the formation and chase after rushers.
Round 5 – Pick 167: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
A hyper-twitchy athlete who has fierce toughness and intense physicality, Upton Stout has the skillset to be a starting nickel in the NFL, where his intelligence, route disruption, and instincts allow him to jam receivers at the point of attack and compete at the catch point.
However, at 5’9 and 182 pounds, Stout’s ceiling and draft stock will be limited. His severely undersized frame means he doesn’t have the length to size up and disrupt against tight ends that will attempt to cause mismatches against him at the next level.
Round 7, Pick 243: Addison West, OL, Western Michigan
At 6’3” and 300 pounds, Addison West is a developed, refined interior offensive lineman who plays with precise hand usage and a tough demeanor. The Western Michigan Broncos guard was a First-Team All-MAC nominee as he didn’t allow a sack in 2024.
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West could evolve into a backup in the NFL, where his versatility, intelligence, block recognition, and ability to stay square can continue to develop. However, his lack of explosive movement, burst, and length may mean he struggles to find a starting role immediately.
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