The Houston Texans need an impact offensive lineman with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. That much is common knowledge. Whether or not the Texans can get it done is another issue entirely.
It's uncertain if there's a legitimate chance it happens, but one NFL writer believes the Texans could stay put and get a steal at the position.
ESPN NFL analyst Jordan Reid has the Texans borderline winning the draft with the No. 28 pick. Reid sent Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor to Houston with the first-round pick.
"Offensive line has been a constant need for the Texans, and the 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor might have the most upside of any blocker in this class. Along with being massive, he's a heavy-handed blocker who generates movement with ease. There are questions about Proctor's conditioning and whether he fits better as a tackle or a guard in the NFL, but the Texans need help up front after finishing last in run block win rate and 30th in pass block win rate last season."
The writer had Missouri edge rusher Zion Young falling to No. 38 to the Texans. Here's what Reid had to say about the selection.
"Even though the Texans already have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., they can build on a strength by adding Young. With 6.5 sacks last season, Young is a long-striding pass rusher who displays flashes of potential. He is also a violent-handed run defender who is able to routinely shock and shed blockers at the point of attack. He can be a rotational edge player as he works on diversifying his pass-rush plans."
It is hard to imagine the draft falling any better for Houston than Reid has it going in the mock draft. Players of Proctor's caliber typically do not fall to the bottom of the first round. It fills a clear need at the Texans' most important position to address.
Proctor would have to move over from left tackle to right, but that transition should not be that difficult for the veteran college player. The Alabama lineman has proven capable of adapting, even catching a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs.
If the Texans are able to add an edge of Young's caliber as well, they leave the draft with one of the best value hauls in the NFL. They will look to make those types of moves when they begin the draft on April 23.