Texans 2026 Mock Draft: Houston bolsters trenches early, adds RB depth

Houston looks to shore up offensive line and running game in 2026 NFL Draft

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

The Houston Texans focus on strengthening their offensive line and running game in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, selecting Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round, Oregon interior lineman Emmanuel Pregnon in the second round, and Washington running back Jonah Coleman later in the second. The Texans also add depth on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at safety and tight end, in the later rounds.

Why it matters

The Texans are coming off back-to-back divisional round playoff appearances, but need to continue building around quarterback C.J. Stroud. Shoring up the offensive line and running game will be crucial to Stroud's development and the team's success in 2026. The Texans also have some key free agents to address on defense, so this draft is an opportunity to add talent and depth across the roster.

The details

In the first round, the Texans select Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, who has extensive starting experience in the SEC and excels in pass protection. In the second round, they add Oregon interior lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, an All-American who will help solidify the interior of the offensive line. Later in the second, they pick up Washington running back Jonah Coleman to provide power and depth in the backfield. The Texans also add offensive line depth with Iowa's Gennings Dunker in the third round, and look to the defensive side with TCU safety Bud Clark and Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers in the fourth. They round out the draft with Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher, Arkansas defensive lineman Cameron Ball, and Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Kadyn Proctor

An offensive tackle from the University of Alabama who has 40 starts and allowed just 5 sacks in over 1,800 passing sets.

Emmanuel Pregnon

An interior offensive lineman from the University of Oregon who is an All-American and one of the most improved interior linemen in the Big Ten.

Jonah Coleman

A running back from the University of Washington who totaled 3,054 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per carry over his 4-year college career.

Gennings Dunker

An offensive lineman from the University of Iowa who excels as a pass protector and is expected to shift inside to guard at the pro level.

Bud Clark

A safety from TCU who is a ball-hawking defender that could help improve the Texans' secondary.

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What’s next

The Texans will continue to monitor the free agent market and make any necessary roster moves ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in late April.

The takeaway

The Texans are focused on building a strong offensive line and running game to support quarterback C.J. Stroud, while also adding depth and talent on both sides of the ball through the draft. This balanced approach should help the team continue its recent playoff success and make a push for the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance.