The Houston Texans entered the offseason desperately needing to upgrade their offensive line after allowing a third-worst 54 sacks last season. Fast forward nearly 48 hours into free agency and their protection needs have only gotten larger. The Texans stunningly traded franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for a package of picks. They also turned around on Tuesday and dealt Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles, admitting defeat on a first-round bust.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio now possesses sizable holes at both tackle and guard. He's equipped with four top-100 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've identified five prospects Caserio should target with his varying picks.
Round 1 (No. 25 overall)
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Trading Tunsil immediately places Houston in the market for a new starting left tackle. The need is so dire that Caserio may have to consider trading up on draft day. Luckily for him, this class is littered with tackles worthy of drafting in the 25-40 range.
Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery should sit atop Caserio's wish list. The No. 26 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 prospect rankings, Ersery possesses the size and movement skills required to develop into a franchise left tackle. He represents Houston's best chance to find a plug-and-play replacement for Tunsil in this draft.
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The interior of the offensive line requires additional help even after signing Laken Tomlinson in free agency, a below-average starter in 2025. If the Texans are willing to address guard at No. 25 overall, Ohio State's Donovan Jackson is a first-round worthy prospect.
Jackson is a straightforward evaluation. The Buckeyes standout is a high-level interior offensive lineman with elite football IQ, scheme versatility, and a well-balanced skill set as a pass protector and run blocker. Jackson is an outstanding athlete in space and has the length required to match defensive linemen in protection.
Round 2 (No. 58 overall)
Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
The Texans' current makeshift depth chart sees right tackle Tytus Howard flipping to guard with sophomore Blake Fisher filling in for him. The other interior starters are Jarrett Patterson and Juice Scruggs. With Howard best utilized at his natural right tackle spot, guard Tyler Booker could be a potential second-round target.
Booker is a physical blocker with a finisher's mentality. The Crimson Tide performer overwhelms defenders in tight, condensed spaces with phone-booth power. NFL-caliber length and mass make Booker a pro-ready prospect. C.J. Stroud would appreciate having him protect the quickest path to the quarterback.
Round 3 (No. 79 overall)
Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary
If the Texans miss on a left tackle at No. 25 overall, Caserio may have to consider a developmental prospect in the top 100 with extremely high upside. William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant should intrigue Houston's scouting department.
Grant possesses rare athleticism at the tackle position. At the NFL Combine, he measured in at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds with arms longer than 34 inches, highlighting his ability to add quality weight and mass throughout the pre-draft process. Grant possesses a ton of upside as an athletic specimen.
Round 3 (No. 89 overall)
Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia
West Virginia's Wyatt Milum has endured an up-and-down pre-draft process. The Mountaineers blocker improved as the Senior Bowl went on, saving his best practice day closer to the conclusion of the event. Milum was also inconsistent at the NFL Combine, running a 5.27-second 40-yard dash with a 30-inch vertical.
Milum is a versatile talent on tape who best fits at guard moving forward. He’s a high-upside athlete on tape, indicating he’s a quality fit for new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who prioritizes athletes at the position. Milum would quickly compete for a starting gig at guard in Houston.
