What’s the plan for the Houston Texans when on the clock at No. 25? Will Houston target another top-level prospect from a national champion-winning school?
Well, that’s what NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter has the two-time defending AFC South franchise doing in his new seven-round mock.
Reuter, who previously mocked the Texans trading up for Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., begins Houston’s haul with the new fan favorite to come off the board near the end of Day 1. While coming off injury, Ohio State tackle has all the upside, thus making him a favorite as the pick.
“Signing Cam Robinson stabilized the left tackle spot after the Texans traded starter Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders,” Reuter wrote. “Still, Robinson’s deal is only for one year, and he’s struggled to stay on the field at times. Simmons is a solid pass protector and strong run blocker on either side of the line; he’ll be a first-round pick if teams receive positive medical reports on the knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2024.”
Simmons would be going much higher than this if not for a torn patellar tendon that cut short his final season at Ohio State. When healthy, Simmons has the traits of a franchise left tackle.
Simmons started over 40 games during his four years in college at San Diego State and Ohio State. A right tackle by trade, he started the first five games for the Buckeyes on the left side in 2024 before a leg injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Even in a small sample size, Simmons proved he was a physically imposing, loose, powerful run blocker with upside in pass protection. He showed dramatic improvements as a pass protector, showing off his ability to make first meaningful contact with sticky hands while pushing pass rushers away from the backfield.
With Houston’s second-round pick, Reuter takes another Buckeyes star in running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 58. Fresh off winning a national title, Judkins would provide the elusiveness and open-field speed to pair with Pro Bowler Joe Mixon for the long haul.
In Round 3 with a pair of picks, Houston finally brings in a playmaker for C.J. Stroud opposite Pro Bowler Nico Collins. After proving his potential as an inside threat and winning the Senior Bowl MVP, TCU’s Jack Bech joins the Texans’ pass-heavy offense with the 89th overall pick.
Ten picks before the selection, Houston ensures its defensive line grabs depth with the addition of Kentucky’s Deone Walker. After a sluggish senior season, the once-thought first-round pick lands in an ideal spot with Houston as a secondary option behind Sheldon Rankins and Mario Edwards Jr.
Reuter puts a bow on the Texans’ class with the following picks:
- Fifth round (No. 166): Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA
- Seventh round (No. 236): JJ Pegues, DL, Ole Miss
- Seventh round (No. 241): Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
Entering the draft, the Texans have seven picks to better the roster.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Breaking down NFL.com’s new 7-round mock for Texans