While the Houston Texans might be headed to the postseason, they also have struggled to pull away from the pack.
After dropping their Week 17 game to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, the Texans have fallen to 9-7 entering the final week of the regular season. Yes, they’ve clinched the AFC South and are guaranteed one more game following the season finale against Tennessee, but the Texans remain a question as a legit postseason force.
There are two sides to look at the Texans’ offseason. The first is it’s clear they’re only a few pieces away from contending. The other? Houston’s struggles might take longer to overcome than expected after a breakout rookie season from C.J. Stroud.
Here is the new updated 2025 NFL draft order after Week 17 (Monday Night Football pending), as well as some prospects who could be on the board for the Texans to consider:
Updated 2025 NFL draft order
- New England Patriots
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Carolina Panthers
- New York Jets
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Chicago Bears
- New Orleans Saints
- San Francisco 49ers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Dallas Cowboys
- Arizona Cardinals
- Miami Dolphins
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Seattle Seahawks
- Houston Texans
- Denver Broncos
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Washington Commanders
- Baltimore Ravens
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Buffalo Bills
- Detriot Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Kansas City Chiefs
Potential draft targets for the Texans
Looking at players at positions of need, prospects to keep a close eye on are Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., West Virginia offensive tackle Wyatt Milum, Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III and South Carolina safety Nick Emmawori.
While far from the strongest class for offensive linemen, the Texans are in a good landing spot to secure a Day 1 option. Houston also needs to bolster the defensive backfield, so adding a safety early could benefit Houston’s defense for the long haul with Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre entering contract years.
The Texans close out the 2024 regular season this Sunday at Nissan Stadium against the Titans. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.