If C.J. Stroud plans to stay upright in 2025, the Houston Texans need an All-American guard to pair alongside Laremy Tusnil.
Consider that mission accomplished based on one mock draft to start the new year.
Dalton Miller’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft for the Pro Football Network has the Texans shoring up their trenches with the selection of Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker with the 21st overall pick in the first round. Houston’s draft plan is simple on Day 1: take the best lineman available and worry about the rest later.
The Crimson Tide lineman has never truly relinquished his title as the best interior blocker in the class. But to Booker’s dismay, NFL evaluators and decision-makers alike have great imaginations and see the tackle-to-guard route as viable for some in the class.
Shaq Mason is a 10-year veteran with a ton of miles, and the left guard spot, where Booker plays, has long been in flux because of underwhelming performance and injuries.
While the Texans could pivot toward the defensive line, their inability to secure a long-term left guard makes Booker’s selection intriguing. The junior comes from an offense built on a ground game emphasis under both Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer.
Tyler Booker is a 1st round guard pic.twitter.com/C5ctxN8TXO
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) July 28, 2024
Houston could certainly use road mauler to open running lanes for Joe Mixon in Bobby Slowik’s offense. Former first-round pick Kenyon Green isn’t expected to start again after three lackluster seasons.
Mason, who will turn 32 this offseason, could be considered a cap casualty after an underwhelming 2024 season for the AFC South champions.
The Texans currently hold six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, which will be held in Green Bay from April 24-26.