NFL Network Mock Draft: Texans Target Offensive Line.

According to a mock draft, the Houston Texans are aiming to strengthen their offensive and defensive line play to provide better protection for C.J. Stroud.

The Kansas City Chiefs have reclaimed their position as the leaders of the NFL, staging a comeback in the second half and overtime to secure victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

With the excitement of the game still lingering, fans now turn their attention to the upcoming draft season. The focus shifts to the Houston Texans and their decisions with the No. 23 pick on April 25, with opinions varying as the team prepares for free agency next month.

According to NFL Network, the prevailing suggestion is for the Texans to enhance their offensive line. This move aims to provide better protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud, and the speculation involves the potential addition of Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton to the team. However, the final decision on the draft pick remains uncertain, with various perspectives influencing the choices the Texans may make in the upcoming draft.

Guyton, who served as the starting right tackle for the Sooners for two years, showcased his dominance during the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Initially projected to be selected in the early second round, Guyton’s outstanding performance in practice has elevated him as a target for teams within the top 25 picks.

Houston’s offensive line faced significant challenges due to a series of injuries, resulting in frequent changes in the starting lineup. Various players, including second-year guard Kenyon Green, rookie Juice Scruggs, and fellow rookie Jarrett Patterson, dealt with injuries or missed significant playing time.

Tytus Howard, who secured a three-year, $56 million extension before training camp, suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 12. Originally a tackle, Howard shifted to guard after Green’s season-ending injury at the beginning of the regular season.

Fant, who started every game opposite Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil, is set to become a free agent. Houston may consider re-signing him on a one-year deal to foster competition among the tackle-guard positions alongside Howard, Patterson, and Green. If Howard returns to the tackle position, Fant’s experience makes him a valuable asset as a swing tackle.

If Guyton joins the team, Howard is likely to assume a permanent role at left guard, potentially concluding the experiment with Green. Despite being a hopeful part of the Texans’ long-term plans, Green’s on-field performance has been less than impressive.

The Texans may shift their focus to the defensive side, as notable names such as cornerback Steven Nelson, defensive end Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Blake Cashman, and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins are set to hit the open market. These players played a crucial role in Houston’s seven-win turnaround and postseason berth in 2023.

Several early defensive prospects, including Florida State defensive end Jared Verse, Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson, Illinois defensive tackle Jer’zhan Newton, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, are worth monitoring in the first round of the draft, scheduled for April 25 in Detroit.