The Texans landed eight new players on their roster during the 2026 NFL Draft. While there were some niche pieces to better the passing game, general manager Nick Caserio made sure to let everyone know that there was going to be an emphasis on finding physicality and brute strength, especially in the front seven and on the offensive line.
That included some impact players in offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, tight end Marlin Klein, offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu, and linebacker Aiden Fisher. The Texans also added in special teams depth with wide receiver Lewis Bond, defensive back Kamari Ramsey and linebacker Wade Woodaz.
So the Texans have added a bunch of new pieces for 2026 and plan on competing for a Super Bowl berth this fall. Does it happen? When looking ahead to 2027 way-too-early mock drafts, no one has Houston picking at No. 32, so the roster still isn't built to make a run toward a Lombardi Trophy.
That means it's time to already look ahead to next season since this year will be a dud. Who could be the next big name to come to Houston and finally get the franchise over the divisional round losing hump?
Texans Wire has rounded up the newest way-too-early 2027 NFL mock drafts, where experts believe the Texans will actually target a skill player for the foreseeable future to upgrade Nick Caley's offense.
From Flick: "David Montgomery, who turns 29 in June, will play his eighth NFL season this fall. He’s under contract through 2027, but the Texans could look for a younger bell cow next spring. Lacy was one of college football’s most productive runners last season, leading the FBS with 306 carries while ranking second with 24 touchdowns and third with 1,567 rushing yards. The 5' 11", 200-pounder has terrific speed and is a home run threat each time he touches the ball."
From Brugler: "The first running back off the board in this mock, Baugh brings size, strength and quickness to the position. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry last season and made his presence felt on third downs."
From B/R: The 6'3", 315-pound junior is powerful and fires off the ball. As a result, he excels against the run. At the same time, he's athletic and explosive enough to present upside as an interior pass-rusher. Stone registered only 1.5 sacks last season, which doesn't accurately represent how much pressure he generated as a whole. Stone has the size, length and skill set to be a standout NFL 3-technique.
For the Texans, Tommy Togiai is a free agent after the upcoming season. Also, Sheldon Rankins turns 33 before next year's draft. The veteran may be under contract for 2027, but the Texans could quickly turn the page with McDonald and Stone as their new-look defensive tackle pairing.
From Petagna: "After becoming the focal point of Ole Miss' offense, the former Missouri transfer quickly proved why he's one of the most dynamic players in college football. Listed just under 6 feet and 200 pounds, Lacy consistently plays bigger than his size. A home-run threat who can operate between the tackles and stretch defenses laterally, his three-down value should ease concerns about positional value."
From Middlehurst-Schwartz: "There's not much missing from DeMeco Ryans' defense, which routinely overwhelms opponents with the sheer force of its starters. But linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are both entering the final year of their deals, and money will be tight for a franchise with so much top-of-market talent. Viliamu-Asa can patrol the second level as a trusted run stopper."
From PFF: "Azeez Al-Shaair’s contract expires at the end of next season. Biles is another highly touted transfer for the Longhorns following two promising seasons at Pitt. Few prospects boast triple-digit snap counts in the slot, box and along the defensive line. Biles likely profiles best as an off-ball, coverage-oriented linebacker, but his 12 sacks over the past two seasons show he is also an effective pass rusher."
From Easterling: "Houston would be wise to continue to load up on high-end upgrades for the offensive line to keep C.J. Stroud protected. Siereveld has ideal physical traits, and another year of experience against top competition should make him pro-ready heading into 2027."
From Iyer: "The Texans are loaded in the pass rush but could keep getting better to support Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre in the secondary next year. Brown would be the ideal target for No. 2 corner."
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2027 way-too-early NFL mock draft round-up: WR, OT or RB in Round 1?