Houston Texans Offseason Preview: Offensive Line Should Be Top Priority Ahead of 2026 Draft
As the Texans look to close out a promising season and shift their focus toward the 2026 NFL Draft, one thing is clear: the offensive line remains a pressing need. While injuries have recently exposed depth issues at defensive tackle, the offensive line-particularly the right side-has been a long-standing concern. And despite past investments through the draft and free agency, it's time for GM Nick Caserio and company to double down.
Houston’s most immediate needs? Right tackle, right guard, and center.
The right side of the line currently features Ed Ingram and Trent Brown, both playing on one-year deals. That leaves the Texans with a clear mandate heading into the offseason: find long-term solutions in the trenches.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top offensive line prospects in the 2026 draft class and how they might fit in Houston’s system.
Top Tackles May Be Out of Reach
Two names are already generating top-15 buzz: Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami). Both are true right tackles-Houston’s biggest positional need-but early projections suggest they’ll be off the board before the Texans are on the clock. That’s a tough break, but not the end of the road.
This class is shaping up to be stronger on the interior than at tackle, though there’s still time for underclassmen to declare and shake things up. As bowl season wraps and we get into the pre-draft process, more names could emerge.
Interior Linemen with High Upside
Vega Ioane, Penn State - LG
Projected Range: Mid-to-late first round
Ioane brings grit, leadership, and three years of starting experience. He’s a natural left guard but has logged snaps on the right side earlier in his career.
At 6’4” and over 320 pounds, he’s got the size and tenacity to anchor an NFL interior. His agility and toughness make him a strong fit for Houston’s zone-heavy run game, and his stock could climb even higher with a strong pre-draft showing.
Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon - LG
Projected Range: Late first to early second round
Pregnon is a tone-setter. He didn’t allow a single sack all season and is a nightmare for linebackers at the second level.
A three-year starter, he’s a physical finisher who thrives pulling in the run game. At 6’5”, he’s got ideal length for a guard and the athleticism to match.
Pregnon would bring immediate impact to the Texans’ interior line.
Connor Lew, Auburn - C
Projected Range: Late second to early third round
Lew was tracking to be the top center in this class before an ACL injury cut his season short. Still, his tape is impressive-he’s a three-year starter, team captain, and a technician at the pivot.
Despite the injury, he’s expected to be ready by mid-season in 2026. His athleticism and ability to reach blocks in space make him an ideal fit for Houston’s run scheme.
Jake Slaughter, Florida - C
Projected Range: Late second to third round
Another experienced center, Slaughter has started three years for Florida and allowed just four sacks over that span. He’s a classic zone-scheme center-shorter frame, strong base, and excellent in combo blocks.
Slaughter has accepted a Senior Bowl invite and could boost his stock with a strong showing against NFL-caliber competition.
Versatile Linemen with Positional Flexibility
Gennings Dunker, Iowa - RT/G
Projected Range: Second round
Dunker is a mauler at 6’5”, known for his physicality and strength at the point of attack. While he’s played right tackle, his shorter arms could push him inside at the next level.
That versatility is a plus for Houston, especially given the uncertainty at both right tackle and guard. Dunker’s tape against Big Ten competition has scouts intrigued, and he’s starting to get late-first round buzz.
Austin Siereveld, Ohio State - LT/G
Projected Range: Second round
Siereveld might be the most versatile lineman in the class. He’s played both guard spots and stepped in at tackle this season due to injuries-and thrived.
One of the highest-graded tackles in the country, he’s a plug-and-play option who brings flexibility and toughness. If the Texans want depth and adaptability, Siereveld checks every box.
Cayden Green, Missouri - LG/LT
Projected Range: Third round
Green has starting experience at both guard and tackle, but his future likely lies inside. He’s a developmental prospect with a high ceiling, especially in the run game.
His ability to reach the second level and dig out defensive tackles makes him a solid fit for a team like Houston looking to build depth and develop young talent.
Pure Tackles Still on the Board
Blake Miller, Clemson - RT
Projected Range: Third round
Miller is a true right tackle with a physical edge. He’s not as fluid as some of the top-tier prospects, but he’s got a mean streak and plays with balance and control.
His footwork has improved each year, and while he gave up a key sack in the 2024 playoff game, his body of work suggests he could be a strong value pick for a team in need of a right-side anchor.
Other Names to Watch
- Kadyn Proctor, Alabama - LT *Late first-round projection.
- Massive upside with elite traits, but questions remain about his agility and reaction time. Needs to shed some weight and refine technique, but the ceiling is high.
- Iapani Laloulu, Oregon - C Still waiting on a draft declaration, but another center to monitor.
- Parker Brailsford, Alabama - C Could rise up boards if he declares.
- Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M - LG Strong interior prospect with upside.
- Caleb Lomu, Utah - LT Developmental tackle with potential.
- Isaiah World, Oregon - LT Another underclassman to keep tabs on.
- Brian Parker II, Duke - RT/G Projects better at guard, but could offer flexibility.
- Trevor Goosby, Texas - LT Raw but athletic, might be more of a long-term project.
Final Thoughts
The Texans are in a pivotal spot. With a rising young quarterback and an improving offense, solidifying the offensive line is the next logical step. Whether they target a plug-and-play interior lineman like Ioane or Pregnon, or roll the dice on a versatile piece like Siereveld or Dunker, this draft class offers options.
But make no mistake-Houston can’t afford to wait. The right side of the line needs long-term answers, and the 2026 draft is shaping up to be a prime opportunity to find them.