Texans Among 5 Teams Linked to Rising Defensive Prospect

Houston Texans showing interest in TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr ahead of 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in the midst of a tackle, broken down into fragmented geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the raw physicality and energy of the sport.The Texans' interest in the rising linebacker prospect Kaleb Elarms-Orr reflects their need to strengthen the middle of their defense.Fort Worth Today

The Houston Texans are one of five NFL teams reportedly very high on TCU linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr, who has seen his draft stock rise after strong performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. The Texans, along with the Colts, Broncos, Panthers, and Vikings, have all met with Elarms-Orr and are considering him as a potential fit for their defense.

Why it matters

The Texans are in need of bolstering their linebacker depth, with veterans Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o both entering contract years. Elarms-Orr's combination of size, athleticism, and production at TCU have made him an increasingly attractive prospect, and the Texans' interest suggests they view him as a potential long-term solution at the position.

The details

Elarms-Orr, a 6-foot-2, 234-pound linebacker, had a standout 2025 season at TCU, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors and ranking top 10 in the FBS in total tackles. He also impressed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.47 40-yard dash and posting a 40-inch vertical leap. His combination of size, speed, and production has caught the eye of several NFL teams, including the Texans, who are among the five teams reportedly 'very high' on the rising prospect.

  • Elarms-Orr has met with the Texans and other teams since the Senior Bowl in January 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away.

The players

Kaleb Elarms-Orr

A 6-foot-2, 234-pound linebacker who spent the last two seasons at TCU after previously playing at California. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and impressed at the NFL Combine with his athleticism.

Azeez Al-Shaair

A veteran linebacker who has been a key part of the Texans' defense in recent seasons.

Henry To'oTo'o

Another veteran linebacker who has started for the Texans and is entering the final year of his contract.

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What they’re saying

“Kaleb Elarms-Orr of TCU and Trey Moore from Texas are receiving a lot of positive chatter in the scouting community and could end up being selected higher in the draft than most presently predict.”

— Tony Pauline, EssentiallySports Reporter

What’s next

The Texans will continue to evaluate Elarms-Orr and other linebacker prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24th.

The takeaway

The Texans' interest in Elarms-Orr suggests they view him as a potential long-term solution at linebacker, as they look to bolster the position with young talent ahead of the upcoming season. His combination of size, athleticism, and production has made him an increasingly attractive prospect in the eyes of multiple NFL teams.