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2025 Mock Drafts

Same could be said of Williams. The kid is a monster. And if WR doesn't pan...convert to TE
Kyle Williams @ 5'11" 190? Surely you are talking about Savion Williams at 6'4 225? If you see Savion as tight end, why not Harold Fannin?
 
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Higgins is a more polished route runner than Nico coming out. But he still has work to do, particularly on the short to intermediate routes.

This is where Egbuka and a guy like Bech have the edge as prospects. And it’s vitally important to be able to uncover quickly on a team with a suspect OL.

He has the tools to get there. But it’s not a guarantee.
Interesting, Higgins rated at 98 percent intermediate and 94% short routes. I think he would be pretty effective at all three especially with our other two starters on the field.
Higgins has been compared to wide receiver Rome Odunze and is known as a vacuum cleaner with his hands with a 93% catch rate and only a 3% drop rate in 350 targets!
It has been said that he is sometimes passive in contested targets but I think he is just so used to grabbing the ball that he doesn't believe he needs to be more aggressive. I expect that to change in training camp. Texans need to get this guy.
 
Interesting, Higgins rated at 98 percent intermediate and 94% short routes.
On film, he has trouble sinking his hips on the short/intermediate routes and isn’t able to get significant separation. Going to be tougher to beat NFL DBs on these types of routes. Like I said, he has the tools to get there, but it’s not a guarantee.

Deep routes not as big an issue because he can run by guys and he’s got the size to win the jump ball as well.
 
On film, he has trouble sinking his hips on the short/intermediate routes and isn’t able to get significant separation. Going to be tougher to beat NFL DBs on these types of routes. Like I said, he has the tools to get there, but it’s not a guarantee.

Deep routes not as big an issue because he can run by guys and he’s got the size to win the jump ball as well.
Jayden biggest strength, contested catches. Knock out red zone opportunities more efficiently. Nobody would care after couple seasons when Texans put away premier teams in playoffs, because Caserio used a 1st or early 2nd round pick on Jayden.

Trade down with New Orleans, so Kellen Moore can get his QB. Heard Carr might need shoulder surgery just yesterday.
 
Jayden biggest strength, contested catches. Knock out red zone opportunities more efficiently. Nobody would care after couple seasons when Texans put away premier teams in playoffs, because Caserio used a 1st or early 2nd round pick on Jayden.

Trade down with New Orleans, so Kellen Moore can get his QB. Heard Carr might need shoulder surgery just yesterday.
Like i’ve said many times now. Highest ceiling WR in the draft.

I think NO is taking a QB with their original 1st given the Carr news. But sure there are other candidates. More I think about it I think 1st round is where Nick trades up and gets his guy. Supply and demand, too many teams willing to move back and not enough willing to move up. But we know Nick is willing to move any which way just to keep things interesting :)
 
Kyle Williams @ 5'11" 190? Surely you are talking about Savion Williams at 6'4 225? If you see Savion as tight end, why not Harold Fannin?

Because I think Savion is going to be really good as a WR in the NFL. But, if he isn't, he still could make a decent TE with added say 20lbs. He can catch and run. And he no question can get open against LBs so as a TE he might have an easier time than WR. That's IF he is not showing out as a WR, but I think he will.

I hope we don't take any WRs under 6'. For some reason it never seems to work well for this team. Prime example, Tank, while good hasn't been able to stay healthy perhaps due to size.
 
Just saw Devin Neal mocked to us in the 3rd in 2 mocks. Reading the scouting report, I'm confused. He seems like a good RB. But, they claim he has good speed to break away, yet 40 was a 4.58. Many RBs his size they claim are caught from behind with a 4.5. Hmmmmm...

Thoughts on Neal in the 3rd?

 
I think better play calling and coaching will help it out immediately. Bonus points if they have added some “swarm” type players to the unit and start taking on the identity of their Head Coach like the defense.

Oh they did. Almost everyone they added to the OL has that real "Dog" mentality. A few described as "nasty" streak.
 
Just saw Devin Neal mocked to us in the 3rd in 2 mocks. Reading the scouting report, I'm confused. He seems like a good RB. But, they claim he has good speed to break away, yet 40 was a 4.58. Many RBs his size they claim are caught from behind with a 4.5. Hmmmmm...

Thoughts on Neal in the 3rd?

Seems good on his feet and has some nasty cuts.
Has good weight to him at 215 to bust tackles.
Good wit his hands too.
I bet he is on a lot of teams radars.
Ranked at 123 on the consensus big board which is no mans land for Texans so if they want him they may have to mess around with their picks somehow.
 
Jayden biggest strength, contested catches. Knock out red zone opportunities more efficiently. Nobody would care after couple seasons when Texans put away premier teams in playoffs, because Caserio used a 1st or early 2nd round pick on Jayden.

Trade down with New Orleans, so Kellen Moore can get his QB. Heard Carr might need shoulder surgery just yesterday.
Just imagine a draft of

1-25 Loveland
2-58 Higgins
3-79 Ratledge
3-89 Brashard Smith
5-166 Jackson Slater or Jack Nelson

Red Zone issues and running the ball would be solved. Also big play ability would be there. Solid tough IOL. WR/TE 6'4 and better plus a guy like Kirk, sign me up for this and draft a couple of developmental CB's in the 7th.

Adds Speed, speed, speed and playmaking ability.
 
Just imagine a draft of

1-25 Loveland
2-58 Higgins
3-79 Ratledge
3-89 Brashard Smith
5-166 Jackson Slater or Jack Nelson

Red Zone issues and running the ball would be solved. Also big play ability would be there. Solid tough IOL. WR/TE 6'4 and better plus a guy like Kirk, sign me up for this and draft a couple of developmental CB's in the 7th.
I’ll keep imagining but I don’t see Higgins and Ratledge lasting to those picks. Also think I can get a better back than Smith in the 3rd.

The OL in the 5th intrigue me, would love it if one fell to the 5th.
 
I’ll keep imagining but I don’t see Higgins and Ratledge lasting to those picks. Also think I can get a better back than Smith in the 3rd.

The OL in the 5th intrigue me, would love it if one fell to the 5th.
Smith is the kind of 3rd down RB this team is missing, he's fast, runs hard and can run pass patterns like the WR that he was. He's a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, particularly on wheel routes when matched up against LB's or S. (Think of a better route running Achane) The other thing is if one of the top 3 WR's go down he can play some slot WR and has the speed to threaten defenses vertically. As a bonus he can KR/PR, there's a reason Caserio brought him in for a 30 day visit.

Pierce/Smith would make a pretty good duo if Mixon was to miss a few games. Who do you like better?
 
Pierce/Smith would make a pretty good duo if Mixon was to miss a few games. Who do you like better?
For the role you described or as a RB prospect in general? To be clear, I like Smith as well, just think there are better prospects at the position in the 3rd. For example, with the strength of the RB class I could see one of Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, or Cam Skattebo be a surprise slider to our 3rd round pick. Second round talents pushed down due to the strength of the class.

And if Johnson or Judkins get to pick 70 I am thinking Nick makes a move for one. And that would tell us whether they are running mainly outside zone or gap. I honestly don’t think they know yet… depends which OL they get before that 3rd round.
 
For the role you described or as a RB prospect in general? To be clear, I like Smith as well, just think there are better prospects at the position in the 3rd. For example, with the strength of the RB class I could see one of Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, or Cam Skattebo be a surprise slider to our 3rd round pick. Second round talents pushed down due to the strength of the class.

And if Johnson or Judkins get to pick 70 I am thinking Nick makes a move for one. And that would tell us whether they are running mainly outside zone or gap. I honestly don’t think they know yet… depends which OL they get before that 3rd round.
Neither of those guys fall that far IMHO. Both go in the 2nd or early 3rd at the latest. I've got Smith rated above Skattebo for the reasons I listed above because he's a true homerun hitter. Although I like Skattebo a lot and wouldn't have any issues at all if he was the pick.
 
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Neither of those guys fall that far IMHO. Both go in the 2nd or early 3rd at the latest. I've got Smith rated above Skattebo for the reasons I listed above because he's a true homerun hitter. Alothough I like Skattebo a lot and wouldn't have any issues at all if he was the pick.

I believe RB, Donovan Edwards (Michigan) would be an excellent complimentary back to Mixon and he’d probably be on the board at 166 or in RD6. May need to package the RD7 picks and move up to ensure he becomes a Texan.
 
I believe RB, Donovan Edwards (Michigan) would be an excellent complimentary back to Mixon and he’d probably be on the board at 166 or in RD6. May need to package the RD7 picks and move up to ensure he becomes a Texan.
He's an avg RB, better than what they've got but not a difference maker in any one area of the game. Also this may have something to do with his injury history. This is the draft that an Achane type difference maker can be found at 3-89. Have you noticed the type of RB that Caserio has interviewed and brought in for visits?
 
I’ll keep imagining but I don’t see Higgins and Ratledge lasting to those picks. Also think I can get a better back than Smith in the 3rd.

The OL in the 5th intrigue me, would love it if one fell to the 5th.

No question a better RB. I like Loveland (I bleed maize and blue) but he is really a big WR. He is not great at blocking and while he can add some size to be a better blocker...at what cost. I'd rather go 3rd round TE and RB, we can likely snag Ferguson (who is very good) for TE and he can block and get a guy like Edwards at RB. We need a Mixon replacement if not for sometime this year then no question by next. Edwards fits the size/speed/blocking/catching 3 down RB to a T. Smith isn't going to be a 3 down 17 game guy if he was the lead RB...
 
No question a better RB. I like Loveland (I bleed maize and blue) but he is really a big WR. He is not great at blocking and while he can add some size to be a better blocker...at what cost. I'd rather go 3rd round TE and RB, we can likely snag Ferguson (who is very good) for TE and he can block and get a guy like Edwards at RB. We need a Mixon replacement if not for sometime this year then no question by next. Edwards fits the size/speed/blocking/catching 3 down RB to a T. Smith isn't going to be a 3 down 17 game guy if he was the lead RB...
Pierce will be the 2 down RB this yr and Smith the 3rd down RB if something happens to Mixon. They said the same thing about Achane that you're saying about Smith.

Being a Maze and Blue fan this doesn't make sense. I think it was PFF that in 2024 they ran the ball 108 times behind Loveland before he separated his shoulder and I'm sure they ran behind him more than that in 2023 when he was fully healthy. Both Corum and Edwards had big yrs running the ball. I watched the 2023 OSU game and I know they ran behind Loveland quite a bit. He also caught some big passes as you know in that game. He was awesome and likely would've been picked higher last yr if he could've come out for the draft. Like I said the guys a stud as you already know.
 
Yes, the art of the trade backs along with a 2026 RD2 (WAS):

1744514933679.png

Jackson to Evan’s could very well be Day 1 starters or solid backups.

Pierce to Wright would be nice depth pieces to fast track their development so they could be utilized in the 2nd half of the season.
 
Pierce will be the 2 down RB this yr and Smith the 3rd down RB if something happens to Mixon. They said the same thing about Achane that you're saying about Smith.

Being a Maze and Blue fan this doesn't make sense. I think it was PFF that in 2024 they ran the ball 108 times behind Loveland before he separated his shoulder and I'm sure they ran behind him more than that in 2023 when he was fully healthy. Both Corum and Edwards had big yrs running the ball. I watched the 2023 OSU game and I know they ran behind Loveland quite a bit. He also caught some big passes as you know in that game. He was awesome and likely would've been picked higher last yr if he could've come out for the draft. Like I said the guys a stud as you already know.
Maize and blue, University of Michigan colors Edwards is from Michigan. Pierce is being shopped for late round picks 6th or 7th. I didn't think he would be here this year
 
For the role you described or as a RB prospect in general? To be clear, I like Smith as well, just think there are better prospects at the position in the 3rd. For example, with the strength of the RB class I could see one of Kaleb Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, or Cam Skattebo be a surprise slider to our 3rd round pick. Second round talents pushed down due to the strength of the class.

And if Johnson or Judkins get to pick 70 I am thinking Nick makes a move for one. And that would tell us whether they are running mainly outside zone or gap. I honestly don’t think they know yet… depends which OL they get before that 3rd round.
I would love Judkins
 
Maize and blue, University of Michigan colors Edwards is from Michigan. Pierce is being shopped for late round picks 6th or 7th. I didn't think he would be here this year
1st I've heard of him being shipped. In fact I heard on the Locked on Texans podcast that they were really looking forward to seeing what he can do with the new kickoff rules.
 
We see all the different mocks, most with OL (of some type) 1st and sometimes 2nd round picks (both). But, here is a question that I have been wondering.

What if the staff feel OL is good and only go for a player in mid/late rounds as a rotation/project? Making picks in the 1st, 2nd and 2 in the 3rd...anything but OL. Which they take in the 4th. Not saying they are going to do it. Just to see what we come up with in mocks. Pretend that 1 through 3rd rounds are NOT OL.

1- WR
2- DT/TE or go for a top TE, personal opinion is DT
3- RB
3(b)-WR/TE double dip or snag a top 5 TE who depends on what is still on the board. Pretty sure 1 will be there.
 
I heard that to. But, also saw multiple experts talking about DP being moved for draft capital. Likely to move up in a certain round.
I could see a scenario where a RB they really like drops to a spot where they move Pierce and a pick to go get them (Judkins for example). But I’m not counting on it.
 
Here’s another no-trade effort:

1744568635165.png

Not the usual suspects, but a solid group nonetheless.

Zabel arrives and is inserted at LG. I wouldn’t be opposed to moving him to Center and sliding Patterson over to LG.

Trapilo would start out as Swing Tackle while preparing to take over at LT or RT.

Harris would fill the need at WR2. Williams is WR3 and would be fun to see him in the Slot on occasions to take advantage of the size and speed mismatch he could create .

Ty Robinson will be a nice high motor piece at DE to help keep both Anderson and Hunter fresh.

Wright is my coveted big SS. Texans defensive backfield is stacked, but Wright should make the team on ST’s while the team preps him to be a starter at some point.

I like Edwards and if he’s on the board this late….he could be considered a steal once he’s splitting reps with Mixon and possibly Pierce.
 
Just saw Devin Neal mocked to us in the 3rd in 2 mocks. Reading the scouting report, I'm confused. He seems like a good RB. But, they claim he has good speed to break away, yet 40 was a 4.58. Many RBs his size they claim are caught from behind with a 4.5. Hmmmmm...

Thoughts on Neal in the 3rd?

I wouldn't hate it but there are other backs I'd rather have. I remember Cody Stoots at the Senior Bowl getting the feeling that the Texans liked Neal.

 
I usually try not to do trades in my mocks, but I didn't like what was available at 25 and Buffalo offered 30 and 56 for 25 and 89. I kept missing on the top TEs, but I'm overall happy with this:

View attachment 15414

Steal with Judkins, but he will likely still be available in the 3rd. TE, I would go Ferguson he has more upside and is already testing over most TEs in the draft and ran the fastest 40.
 
Steal with Judkins, but he will likely still be available in the 3rd. TE, I would go Ferguson he has more upside and is already testing over most TEs in the draft and ran the fastest 40.
Judkins in the third will be difficult to resist for me
 
Many times I fill in my lower rounds which often leave me better options in the higher rounds. For example, Williams in round 3 opens up rounds one and two
 
Steal with Judkins, but he will likely still be available in the 3rd. TE, I would go Ferguson he has more upside and is already testing over most TEs in the draft and ran the fastest 40.

TE-Maliq Carr’s 4.61 Pro Day 40 is the fastest for any TE. He did this at 6-6 and 260 pounds.
 
Playing with some scenarios when mock drafting from a team-building standpoint using some TT favorites:

1.25) Conerly. Duane Brown 2.0? See Long term LT can rotate with Robinson year 1 while he adds strength and adjusts to the NFL game.

2.58) Kyle Williams. Heard him say in a Senior Bowl interview that he models his game after Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. The most Tank-like player in this draft, a true separator that can get open quickly at all levels.

3.79) Harold Fannin Jr. If used correctly he could be the steal of the draft. One of the most polarizing prospects but you can’t deny the production. Jonnu Smith and Mark Andrews were drafted in this range, why not Fannin? Give Stroud weapons that can get open quickly.

3.89) Alexander. Congratulations Alexander, you’re the lucky winner who gets to play on a DeMeco DL.

5.166) Smith. Achane-lite. Can be used as a 3rd down RB and also worked into sets with Mixon to stress defenses. Threat to score everytime he touches the ball like Williams.

7.236) Mcwilliams. Developmental nickel prospect.

7.241) Bruener. A LB with 5 career INTs? I’ll take a chance on a possible coverage LB here.


1744680217872.png
 
Playing with some scenarios when mock drafting from a team-building standpoint using some TT favorites:

1.25) Conerly. Duane Brown 2.0? See Long term LT can rotate with Robinson year 1 while he adds strength and adjusts to the NFL game.

2.58) Kyle Williams. Heard him say in a Senior Bowl interview that he models his game after Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. The most Tank-like player in this draft, a true separator that can get open quickly at all levels.

3.79) Harold Fannin Jr. If used correctly he could be the steal of the draft. One of the most polarizing prospects but you can’t deny the production. Jonnu Smith and Mark Andrews were drafted in this range, why not Fannin? Give Stroud weapons that can get open quickly.

3.89) Alexander. Congratulations Alexander, you’re the lucky winner who gets to play on a DeMeco DL.

5.166) Smith. Achane-lite. Can be used as a 3rd down RB and also worked into sets with Mixon to stress defenses. Threat to score everytime he touches the ball like Williams.

7.236) Mcwilliams. Developmental nickel prospect.

7.241) Bruener. A LB with 5 career INTs? I’ll take a chance on a possible coverage LB here.


View attachment 15417
Really solid. I'd be happy with this draft
 
Playing with some scenarios when mock drafting from a team-building standpoint using some TT favorites:

1.25) Conerly. Duane Brown 2.0? See Long term LT can rotate with Robinson year 1 while he adds strength and adjusts to the NFL game.

2.58) Kyle Williams. Heard him say in a Senior Bowl interview that he models his game after Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. The most Tank-like player in this draft, a true separator that can get open quickly at all levels.

3.79) Harold Fannin Jr. If used correctly he could be the steal of the draft. One of the most polarizing prospects but you can’t deny the production. Jonnu Smith and Mark Andrews were drafted in this range, why not Fannin? Give Stroud weapons that can get open quickly.

3.89) Alexander. Congratulations Alexander, you’re the lucky winner who gets to play on a DeMeco DL.

5.166) Smith. Achane-lite. Can be used as a 3rd down RB and also worked into sets with Mixon to stress defenses. Threat to score everytime he touches the ball like Williams.

7.236) Mcwilliams. Developmental nickel prospect.

7.241) Bruener. A LB with 5 career INTs? I’ll take a chance on a possible coverage LB here.


View attachment 15417
Love this draft.

Although I would like a better blocking TE.
 
Great draft joker. I’d be pleased as punch, and Badboy might turn cartwheels getting Fannin.
 
I traded with Phily for 32 and 61 (not sure if 61 was there originally) and accepted a deal with the Eagles at 78 to snag 168...129 was part of that.

Screenshot_20250415-214433_Chrome.jpg

Still got Simmons at 32, Judkins was a great pick as no great WR was left. Higgins fell into my lap at 61. How Sanders was available at 79, who knows DT acquired.96 got a great TE in Ferguson who blew up the combine at TE. Frazier is good, but I think he could develop into a solid starter or Amazing backup. And at 168, Etienne is the speed to Judkins power...and pretty much the best offensive player left besides QB.

I would love to see similar after next weekend!
 
I wanted to add a couple of picks mid draft to grab a couple of players I felt would help this team get stronger now and in the future. I proposed no trades and only worked with those offers within reason.

Trade 1:
Giants Get: 25 + 2026 RD2 (WAS)

Texans Get: 34 + 65

Trade 2:
Chargers Get: 85 + 2026 RD6 (MIN)

Texans Get: 86 + 125

1744826938269.png

I still see the biggest hole to fill on the OL is LG. I have absolutely zero trust that Howard will deliver the desired results. Jackson solves this problem from Day 1 or the moment he replaces Howard.

LT will have a couple of new faces to try and get the job done. Track records aren’t the greatest, so a backup plan should be in place. I really like LT/RT, Trapilo to be this safety net.

WR’s Higgins and Thornton Jr have been my choices for some time now and my mind hasn’t been changed yet. Both guys are legit weapons and immediately help CJ, Collins, and Kirk.

RB Edwards will be a perfect fit with Mixon and Pierce.

I know Ryans wouldn’t be sitting back and let this draft be all about the offense, so here’s a solid group of talent.

Collins is the young foundational monster Ryans would desire for his DL. Same can be said for DE, Robinson who would be working behind Anderson and Hunter.

Kiser could be scary good as a LB’er addition. He’s a disruptor in the pass game and offers strong support in the run game. Also a fundamentally sound tackler.

I can’t have Emmanwori b/c he’s typically gone by pick 20 and I wouldn’t trade up to get him. Wright is a 6-4 and 229 pound safety. He’s got things to work on, but should be an instant contributor on ST’s.
 
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I wanted to add a couple of picks mid draft to grab a couple of players I felt would help this team get stronger now and in the future. I proposed no trades and only worked with those offers within reason.

Trade 1:
Giants Get: 25 + 2026 RD2 (WAS)

Texans Get: 34 + 65

Trade 2:
Chargers Get: 85 + 2026 RD6 (MIN)

Texans Get: 86 + 125

View attachment 15433

I still see the biggest hole to fill on the OL is be LG. I have absolutely zero trust that Howard will deliver the desired results. Jackson solves this problem from Day 1 or the moment he replaces Howard.

LT will have a couple of new faces to Ty and get the job done. Track records aren’t the greatest, so a backup plan should be in place. I really like LT/RT, Trapilo to be this safety net.

WR’s Higgins and Thornton Jr have been my choices for some time now and my mind hasn’t been changed yet. Both guys are legit weapons and immediately help CJ, Collins, and Kirk.

RB Edwards will be a perfect fit with Mixon and Pierce.

I know Ryans wouldn’t be sitting back and let this draft be all about the offense, so here’s a solid group of talent.

Collins is the young foundational monster for his DL. Same can be said Robinson who would be working behind Anderson and Hunter.

Kiser could be scary good as a LB’er addition. He’s a disruptor in the pass game and offers strong support in the run game. Is a fundamentally sound tackler.

I can’t have Emmanwori b/c he’s typically gone by pick 20. Wright is a 6-4 and 229 pound safety. He’s got things to work on, but should be an instant contributor on ST’s.
Strong mock here
 
Wondering if this is true. If so, OL will be 25


ChatGPT mocks pick 25

25. Houston Texans: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State​

ChatGPT had this to say about why Jackson is a good fit in Houston: "Ultra-athletic, battle-tested interior lineman with positional versatility. He's great at pulling, climbing to the second level, and would instantly help protect C.J. Stroud—his former college teammate."
 
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