What’s the right move for the Houston Texans when it comes to drafting a player in the first round at pick No. 28?
How about at pick No. 38? And what about closing out Round 2 altogether?
ESPN’s Field Yates recently released his mock draft 3.0 following the first wave of free agency entering the week, including the first 64 picks for all 32 franchises. For the Texans, while offensive line remains a need, the signings of Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith have provided some flexibility to shift off the offensive line and turn toward other immediate needs for the future.
That’s what Yates has Houston doing while sticking around in Round 1. While he remains an unknown in terms of potential, Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods might be the best boom-or-bust defensive prospect in the class. Since the Texans already have Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai locked up, taking a flyer on Woods at No. 28 might end up being the best buy long-term for the stability of the interior defensive line play.
“Woods might have the biggest range of the prospects we’ve discussed so far,” Yates wrote. “His ardent believers feel he could go in the top 15, while skeptics don’t see him as a first-round talent.
“Woods is an explosive but undersized defensive tackle whose production left a lot to be desired with just 5.0 sacks in the past two seasons. The right scheme would allow him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields frequently. Houston has the best defense in the AFC, but it could use some youth at defensive tackle, where Sheldon Rankins is 31 years old.”
No one is asking Woods to start from Day 1 in Houston. Although he’s been a steady run defender, his pass-rushing skills and dipped over the past two seasons. In DeMeco Ryans’ front, Woods would learn how to win his one-on-one battles while rotating in on heavy run defensive sets to shore up the interior. Togiai would handle duties in the pass-rushing department, alongside veteran Logan Hall.
In Round 2, Yates has Houston double-dipping on Clemson talent with the selection of right tackle Blake Miller. While his ceiling is low, the ready-made lineman could fight for reps as the team’s swing tackle while biding his time to take over on the right side beginning in 2027.
“After signing Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller in free agency, Houston’s offensive line is in steadier shape. But both of those players will be in their 30s when the upcoming season begins,” Yates wrote. “Miller is a battle-tested, athletic right tackle that would provide — at the very least — top tackle depth as a rookie.”
Adding Miller would present a solid run blocker with plug-and-play experience on the right side, which could be considered an upgrade over Alabama offensive tackle Kaydn Proctor or Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, two names likely set to either play left tackle or left guard. Shoring up the right side of the line would also allow the Texans to perhaps target a guard in the later rounds, while adding in a name via free agency.
With the final pick, Yates has Houston finding another long-term player with Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis. What he lacks in size, the 6-foot linebacker makes up for in coverage, totaling six interceptions and 10 pass breakups over his final two years in Pat Narduzzi’s defense.
“One of the things I admire about the Texans’ organization is their ability to maximize defensive players, regardless of any supposed limitations they may have,” Yates wrote. “Louis is an unconventional-sized linebacker at 6-feet and 220 pounds, but he has incredible playmaking ability, coverage instincts and physicality that will travel to the NFL. Some teams will evaluate him as a strong safety, but no matter his listed position on the roster, he’ll carve out an important role.”
To check out Yates’ entire mock draft, click the link here.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans draft Clemson stars Blake Miller, Peter Woods in new mock draft
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