Anyone looking at the Texans going into 2024 knows this is a franchise far from content finishing in second place. And no, not just second place in the AFC South.
The Texans are ready to jump from division winner to conference one. They were aggressive in free agency, securing talents like defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. They swapped picks for players, securing Pro Bowl talents Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs to better the offensive consistency.
Is that enough to place Houston alongside Kansas City and Baltimore atop the AFC rankings? For now, most national pundits have the Texans as a divisional-round playoff loser, meaning they’ll be picking between No. 24-No. 28 come next April in the 2025 NFL draft.
This isn’t a winner-or-go-home year for Nick Caserio and Co., but things will get expensive after 2024. Diggs and Nico Collins are entering contract seasons and could command top dollar on the market. Any breakout season from a one-year rental could lead to a departure elsewhere. Not to mention, players like Jalen Pitre, Christian Harris, Dameon Pierce and others will be entering the final year of their rookie deals.
Teams can build through free agency, but most want to see their foundations laid in the draft. Where does Houston turn in the first round following another promising season?
Here’s a list of every way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft listing where the Texans are projected to pick and the type of prospect they plan to target.
ESPN: Pick No. 24 – LSU LB Harold Perkins
Oct 7, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Daniel Blood (16) runs the ball as LSU Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (4) defends during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
NBC Sports: Pick No. 20 – LSU LB Harold Perkins
Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (4) tackles Florida Gators wide receiver Marcus Burke (88) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Athletic: Pick No. 26 – Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) pressures quarterback Beau Pribula during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in State College.
PFF: Pick No. 20 –…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Texans Wire…