After a promising season that ended in a frustrating playoff loss to the Patriots, the Houston Texans now turn their attention to building out a roster that can take the next step in 2026. The 28-16 defeat was a tough pill to swallow-especially considering how the game unfolded.
CJ Stroud, who’s been a steady presence under center since entering the league, had one of the worst outings of his career, throwing four interceptions in the first half alone. It was uncharacteristic, yes-but also a reminder of how thin the margin for error is when you're playing behind an inconsistent offensive line.
Despite the early exit, this Texans team remains on solid footing. Stroud has led Houston to the postseason in all three of his NFL seasons, and under head coach DeMeco Ryans, they’ve managed to win a playoff game each year.
That’s no small feat. But if Houston wants to push deeper into January-and maybe even February-they’ll need to shore up some glaring holes, starting with the trenches.
Priority No. 1: Reinforce the Offensive Line
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the offensive line didn’t hold up when it mattered most. And that’s where the Texans should begin when the NFL Draft rolls around. Whether it’s at center, guard, or even tackle, Houston needs to invest in someone who can immediately elevate the unit’s floor.
One name to watch is Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. He’s a physical, high-motor lineman who thrives on contact and doesn’t wait for pass rushers to come to him-he brings the fight to them.
Mauigoa’s technique still needs some polish, particularly in how he distributes his weight, but the foundation is there. He’s got the size, strength, and mentality to be a long-term starter, whether on the edge or potentially sliding inside if needed.
His ability to move bodies in the run game and anchor in pass protection makes him a fit in both man and gap-blocking schemes.
Adding a player like Mauigoa would give Houston flexibility. Even if he slots in at tackle, it opens up the possibility of reshuffling the line to get the best five on the field. And after watching the Patriots’ front seven consistently collapse the pocket, it’s clear that kind of versatility is a must.
Option B: Plug the Middle on Defense
If the Texans decide to go defense in the first round, Georgia’s Christen Miller is a name that’s gaining traction. Houston already boasts one of the league’s most dangerous edge duos in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
But the interior of the defensive line? That’s been a soft spot.
Miller brings a low center of gravity, strong hands, and a knack for controlling gaps. He’s the kind of player who can eat up space and free up the linebackers behind him-or collapse the pocket himself with a quick first step. He’s not just a run-stuffer, either; there’s some juice to his pass rush that could develop into something more with the right coaching.
Still, as tempting as that pick might be, the Texans’ loss to New England wasn’t about the defense. It was about an offense that couldn’t stay on schedule, largely because the line didn’t give Stroud time and the run game never found its footing.
Second-Round Strategy: Double Down on the O-Line
With two second-round picks-including one acquired from Washington in the Laremy Tunsil trade-Houston has a golden opportunity to double down in the trenches. Pick No. 38 is a prime spot to grab a high-upside interior lineman, and Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon fits the bill.
At 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds, Pregnon brings a rare blend of power and polish. His hand technique stands out on tape, and he’s got the kind of anchor you want when facing NFL-caliber bull rushers.
He’s also a mover in the run game, capable of generating push in gap and zone schemes alike. Teams looking to win in the postseason need linemen who can handle the physicality of playoff football-and Pregnon looks like a guy who won’t need much seasoning before stepping into a starting role.
Adding him to the mix would go a long way toward stabilizing the interior, especially with the Texans needing better protection against inside pressure. It also helps the run game, which brings us to the next key piece of the puzzle.
Running Back Help: A Must-Have in Round 2
Houston’s offense missed Joe Mixon more than most realized. Without him, the ground game lacked consistency and explosiveness-two things you can’t afford to be without in January. That’s why the Texans should use their second second-rounder (pick No. 59) on a running back, assuming the right one is still on the board.
Enter Jadarian Price.
He’s not the flashiest name in the class, but he checks a lot of boxes: speed, versatility, and the ability to contribute in both the running and passing games. Price is a threat to score from anywhere on the field, which makes him a perfect fit for modern offenses that prioritize space and mismatches.
He’ll need to improve in pass protection to become a true three-down back, but the tools are there. And with Stroud under center, having a back who can catch out of the backfield and create after contact is more than a luxury-it’s a necessity.
The Bottom Line
The Texans aren’t far off. They’ve got their quarterback.
They’ve got a defense that can get after the passer. What they need now is to win the battle in the trenches-on both sides of the ball.
That starts with the offensive line, where adding two potential starters in Mauigoa and Pregnon could pay immediate dividends. And if they can land a dynamic back like Price to spark the run game, this offense could take a big leap forward in 2026.
Houston’s window is open. But how wide it stays depends on what they do this offseason-starting with a draft that could define the next phase of their rise.