The Houston Texans have finalized their 2025 NFL Draft list with a focus on reinforcing their offensive capabilities. They’ve added four potential frontline members to the team to lend support to C.J. Stroud, whose performance dipped the previous season. The team has also neatly bagged a probable pillar for their franchise – a left tackle with three seasons of Big Ten experience under his belt.
The Texans’ draft strategy is, on the whole, widely appreciated, with none of the eight surveyed reviews scoring them lower than a ‘C+’ grade. Three even honored their roster additions with an ‘A’. A common thread noticed in the evaluation of these ratings led to the Texans’ successful clinching of two prospective Day 2 selections courtesy the Laremy Tunsil trade alongside a future third-round pick acquired by dropping nine places with the New York Giants.
The Texans also traded off one of their own 2026 third-round picks, implying they could have a shot at a loftier selection on the forthcoming Day 2 of the draft scheduled in April next year. They’ve already stowed away plenty for the 2026 draft, securing extra selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds, with two of them being the spoils of the Laremy Tunsil trade to Washington.
This year, the team’s spotlight was on providing a much-needed boost for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had hit a minor plateau in his second year. It’s anticipated that Stroud will be working with renowned blocker, Aireontae Ersery (drafted in the second round) on the front line, while having the added support of skilled wide receivers from Iowa State – Jayden Higgins (Round 2) and Jaylin Noel (Round 3).
Despite parting with their first-rounder in one of the trading moves, the Texans managed to take home four picks on the second day. They gave significant attention to the wide receiver positions, fostering more depth by drafting a duo from Iowa State. Jayden Higgins, an explosive presence on the outside with his 6-4 stature, and Jaylin Noel, with his swift slot abilities, joined the squad.
In the spotlight for the offensive line is second-round pick, Aireontae Ersery. Towering at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 331 pounds, Ersery is perfectly capable of managing power or speed off the fence. While he may not be placed in a starting position immediately, there is potential for him to mature into the role of a starting left tackle.
Wrapping up the third round, the Texans enrolled Jaylin Smith, designated as CB25, into their defensive core. Despite his late round selection, Smith possesses potential for growth. Houston finished with a flourish by opting for a pair of seventh-rounders deemed as intriguing prospects.
It had the NFL buzzing when the famed Iowa State wide receiver pair, who were raved about through the pre-draft journey, teamed up to advance to Houston. This significant move was a heartbeat after the Texans’ crushing playoff defeat to Kansas City, where Stroud was sacked eight times and hit 14 times.
This defeat seemed to have left its mark on Caserio, the Texans’ key decision-maker. The months following the defeat saw a decisive overhaul of the squad. By the time the new season starts in September, the Texans could be looking at as many as five fresh faces in the starting lineup.
The Texans deviated from the set course at number 25, choosing to trade out instead. Shortly after bagging Jayden Higgins, the wide receiver from Iowa State, early on Friday night, Caserio managed to hook in Minnesota offensive tackle, Aireontae Ersery, later in the second round.
There is speculation on whether Ersery would be better suited at the left or right side. As a massive, sturdy blocker who occasionally struggles against speedy opponents, he could potentially face challenges if placed on the edge. However, in a conversation with Houston coach DeMeco Ryans, Ersery appeared self-assured, confidently claiming to be the best tackle in the draft.