Final Texans 7-Round mock draft; Houston makes two bold trades early

The time has come for Nick Caserio to do what he does best on the final weekend in April: talk.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set to get underway in just a few hours at Lambeau Field, meaning the Houston Texans will welcome in seven new names. Well, Houston has seven picks as of right now, but we know that’s not going to be the case by the time Saturday rolls around.

No one knows what direction the Texans will go at No. 25. Some think Houston will move up to land its franchise left tackle. Others think the Texans could be in the market for a wide receiver from Ohio State, reuniting C.J. Stroud with his go-to target from the postseason days of Columbus.

No more speculating, it’s time to lock in the picks.

Here’s Texans Wire’s final 2025 mock draft, breaking down how every pick for Houston will happen starting Thursday night. Before we begin, here’s a reminder of how the Texans’ picks looked before Caserio starts wheeling and dealing

Round 1, Pick No. 25

Round 2, Pick No. 58

Round 3, Pick No. 79

Round 3, Pick No. 89

Round 5, Pick No. 166

Round 7, Pick No. 236

Round 7, Pick No. 241

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Well look at that. Caserio is off and running to close on deals Day 1. The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to move up for a certain defensive lineman and it appears he’s on the board when at No. 25. Simply moving back seven spots, the Texans pick up four picks, including recouping the fourth-rounder lost in the Laremy Tunsil deal.

Philadelphia receives: No. 25

Houston receives: No. 32, No. 96, No. 134 and No. 164

Now with the first pick!

Pick 14- Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

The Texans’ first choice is likely Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. According to Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander, he’s well-liked by the team’s staff and could be the heir to Laremy Tunsil. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Texans might even be willing to move up into the top 15 should he fall.

I don’t think that happens since roughly six teams need a tackle ahead of Houston. If he’s gone, there’s a chance Houston trades back to land more compensation and settle for a prospect potentially falling to Day 2. That seems to be Booker, who fits the mold of what the Texans covet in leaders of the locker room.

Booker, a two-year team captain for the Crimson Tide, is a 6-foot-5 mauler in the run game who improved every season as a pass protector. He was also credited with the most pancake blocks in the SEC in both 2023 and 2024 while only allowing two sacks in over 1,200 pass-blocking snaps.

“Tyler Booker is a guy that I speak very highly of. Great character guy, but I think he has all of the attributes you need to play the offensive line position,” Texans defensive end and former Alabama teammate Will Anderson Jr. said. “He is a mauler, he loves to finish blocks, his leadership skills, his mentality. He wants to be the best and he is really hard on himself. I’m kind of the same way and that’s what builds you up and that’s what makes you who you are. He has all those things and I can’t say enough good things about him. Wherever he ends up, he is going to change that team, change that program and change the offensive line for sure.”

The Texans must improve their pass protection, but should salivate at the opportunity to land one of the better run blockers in college. Keep in mind, Houston also gained three draft picks along with the All-American, so it’s a win-win all around.

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Caserio just can’t stop making moves. Knowing the offensive line needs work on the edge, plus given his relationship with New England, the Texans move up from No. 58 with their sights set on a tackle. It costs them a Day 2 pick in 2026, but in a win-now mode, no one will bat an eye should the prospect hit protecting Stroud’s blind side.

Patriots receive: No. 58, 2026 third-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick

Texans receive: No. 38

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With draft capital galore, the Texans could make this type of swing and it wouldn’t even affect their overall compensation for the short term. Conerly met with the Texans last month and reportedly “wowed” the front office to warrant praise. He could very well be in line at No. 25, but the mock has him falling outside of Day 1.

Conerly is consistent, allowing just two sacks over his college career. He’s still learning how to play left tackle, but having a player like Cam Robinson starting off the year should buy him time to transition to the pros with ease. As a project of sorts, draft Conerly would set the Texans up for the future, allowing him to learn under Cole Popovich and master his craft before entering the starting lineup.

Keep a close eye on Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson as a potential trade-up option, too. He was off the board at No. 28 when we mocked or it could have been a coinflip between the Duck and the Buckeye.

Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott (55) celebrates after a play during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Florida in Neyland Stadium, in Knoxville, Tenn., Oct. 12, 2024.

Houston’s inability to land a long-term defensive tackle might be the lone downside of the defensive drafting under Caserio and DeMeco Ryans. This is the year they must bring in a three-tech to lock down a starting spot for the next four season long-term.

Norman-Lott is an undersized interior defender who will need to specialize in penetration when asked to play in a 4-3 system. That undersized frame allows him to win most of his one-on-one battles against guards and tackles. Last season with the Volunteers, he was volatile in the pass-rushing department, totaling 27 pressures and five sacks as a rotational option in the trenches.

Doesn’t that scream “a Ryans’ type” from the sound of an undersized player?

Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

At some point, Houston must target a secondary receiver. This feels right around the right spot for Royals to come off the board. Over his past two seasons, Royals has been one of the G5’s more productive playmakers, totaling over 1,900 yards and 21 TDs.

Much like Washington State’s Kyle Williams, Royals is a “Z” receiver who does most of his damage in the intermediate part of the field. The former Aggie is a smooth athlete who can play outside and is best suited in a system that will feed him the ball.

Sep 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack offensive tackle Anthony Belton (74) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at the Dukes Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Adding another lineman might be wise since Laken Tomlinson, Ed Ingram, and Robinson and all in contract seasons. What role will Belton play in the NFL? Guard? Tackle? Right now, he is still unrefined with his footwork, but he’ll stonewall power rushers with strength in pass protection. That’s enough for Houston to feel content adding him and finding his home later.

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio (left) and coach DeMeco Ryans (right) share a couple laughs at OTAs on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Brian Barefield, Texans Wire)

Another move, another trade. Caserio isn’t sitting by to wait until No. 134 for his next pick. Instead, he calls up the Jets and moves into the No. 110 spot.

Jets receive: No. 110, No. 166 (via BUF)

Texans receive: No. 110

Sep 13, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball against UNLV Rebels defensive back Jett Elad (9) and linebacker Mani Powell (16) during the first half at Children’s Mercy Park. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Joe Mixon isn’t losing his job, but the Texans need a stable No. 2 option on the ground. Neal did it all over his last three seasons in Lawrence. He totaled over 1,000 yards each campaign and averaged 6.0 yards per attempt. Neal also finished with nearly 100 catches and four receiving touchdowns. He could be the ideal complement to Mixon as player who does a bit of everything.

It’s another weapon for Stroud.

Two steps forward, one step back for Caserio.

Jets receive: No. 166

Texans receive: No. 186, No. 207

Oct 26, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is tackle by Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) and defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Texans could use depth at linebacker. Taking King, a sure-fire tackler with upside in coverage, at least gives Ryans his next project at the second level.

Nov 29, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tight end Jackson Hawes (85) catches a pass over Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Daylen Everette (6) in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Houston needs a blocking tight end who can serve as a stable force in the red zone. Hawes, who caught 15 passes over his time with the Yellow Jackets, is considered by some as the best blocking tight end in the class.

It’s another blocker for Stroud.

Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. (1) runs with the ball against Auburn Tigers safety Sylvester Smith (19) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

With Royals in the fold, doubling down on the receiver spot could be wise. Wease stands 6-foot-2 and was a staple of Missouri’s passing game last season. He averaged 14.7 yards per play while hauling in 60 passes for 884 receiving yards.

He could compete for a roster spot.

Oct 5, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. (10) after the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

When in doubt, draft a defensive lineman

Round 1, No. 32 (Via PHI) – Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama

Round 2, No. 38 (Via NE) – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Round 3, No. 79 (Via MIA) – Omarr Norman-Lott, DL, Tennessee

Round 3, No. 89 – Jaylen Royals, WR, Utah State

Round 3, No. 98 (Via PHI) – Anthony Belton, OL, NC State

Round 4, No. 110 (Via NYJ) – Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Round 6, No. 186 (VIA NYJ) – Kobe King, LB, Penn State

Round 6, Pick No. 207- Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Round 7, No. 237 – Theo Wease Jr., WR, Missouri

Round 7, No. 241 – Simeon Barrow Jr., DL, Miami (FL)

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans final mock draft: Houston makes 2 bold trades early for OL

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Final Texans 7-Round mock draft; Houston makes two bold trades early

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