Texans Prepare for Pivotal 2026 NFL Draft

Houston looks to build on recent draft success with a full slate of picks

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:44pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange representing the dynamic action on the field.The Texans' 2026 draft strategy aims to build on recent success and solidify the team's status as an up-and-coming AFC powerhouse.Today in Pittsburgh

The Houston Texans enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a full complement of picks, including two second-rounders, as they look to continue their recent draft success and take the next step towards becoming a Super Bowl contender.

Why it matters

The Texans have found key building blocks through the draft in recent years, including quarterback CJ Stroud and cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. With several needs to address on the offensive line and defensive line, the Texans have a chance to further bolster their roster and solidify their status as an up-and-coming AFC powerhouse.

The details

The Texans hold eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including four selections in the first three rounds. Their top needs include offensive line, defensive tackle, and cornerback depth. Potential targets include Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor, Utah's Caleb Lomu, and Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The Texans will look to build on their recent draft success, which has included finding a franchise quarterback in Stroud and locking down their cornerback spots with Stingley and Lassiter.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • Round 1 will be held on April 23, with Rounds 2-3 following on April 24, and Rounds 4-7 concluding the draft on April 25.

The players

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, responsible for leading the team's draft strategy and roster-building efforts.

CJ Stroud

The Texans' starting quarterback, drafted in the first round in 2023 out of Ohio State.

Derek Stingley Jr.

A cornerback for the Texans, drafted in the first round in 2022 out of LSU.

Kamari Lassiter

A cornerback for the Texans, drafted in the second round in 2024 out of Georgia.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle prospect from Arizona State who is considered a potential target for the Texans in the 2026 draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Watch any Arizona State game, and you'll see it within the first five plays: Iheanachor moves like no 325-pound tackle should be allowed to move. The feet are light, the hips are loose, and there is a natural athleticism baked into everything he does that you simply cannot teach.”

— NFL Draft Buzz

“Big-framed, long-limbed interior defender whose play needs more polish to consistently match his traits. Banks has a quick first step. He can stun/control single blocks when his hand strikes are timely and accurate, but he needs faster disengagement to increase his tackle count.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst

“Press-man bully with an ability to put his stamp on the first and last phases of the snap. He has enough speed to stay phased on verticals and does a nice job erasing space on in-breakers from tight press or off-man looks. He's disciplined in zone.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Analyst

What’s next

The Texans will look to capitalize on their strong draft position and address their key needs, with the goal of continuing to build a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

The Texans have found success in recent drafts, and they'll look to continue that trend in 2026 as they aim to take the next step towards becoming a perennial contender in the AFC. With a full slate of picks, including multiple early-round selections, the Texans have a chance to further bolster their roster and solidify their status as an up-and-coming powerhouse.