It's time for the 2025 NFL draft, and it isn't a secret that the Houston Texans have several needs they must address — especially when it comes to the offensive line.
The Texans' offense left much to be desired in 2024, and a lot of that had to do with the offensive line's poor play. Pro Football Focus graded Houston a 65.3 in terms of pass protection (21st) and a 57.4 for run blocking (25th), highlighting the need to upgrade the frontline to give quarterback C.J. Stroud his best shot at success next season and beyond.
With just a few hours to go before the draft begins, it looks like the Texans are eyeing a potential move to give Stroud some much-needed help.
Texans Reportedly Looking to Trade Up From No. 25 to Draft Offensive Lineman
On Wednesday, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the Texans have been working hard to move up from Thursday's No. 25 pick.
"Houston has shown a willingness to deal under Caserio — don’t expect that to change in 2025," Russini wrote. "The Texans have been actively making calls about a potential move up, so don’t be surprised if Houston makes a jump on Thursday night."
According to Russini, Texans general manager Nick Caserio has made 18 draft-day trades since he took over in 2021, making "at least three draft-day trades every year." One of his biggest deals came when Houston moved up from No. 12 to No. 3 to draft standout defender Will Anderson Jr. back in 2023, only one pick after they selected Stroud.
As for what a trade-up could lead to, NFL insider Jordan Schultz has since added that any potential move on Thursday will be considered with Stroud's protection in mind.
"The Texans have been making calls to move up from No. 25, and the belief is it's for an offensive lineman," Schultz reported, citing Caserio's aggressiveness when it comes to making draft-day trades.
The Texans shook up their offensive line early in the offseason when they traded veteran blockers Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green to the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. Even though they've since signed Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson, more help is needed after how poorly the unit performed last season.
Fortunately, the NFL draft can provide various solutions to the Texans' O-line woes. Names like LSU's Will Campbell, Ohio State's Josh Simmons, and Missouri's Armand Membou are just some of the promising OL prospects who will be available, depending on how far they want to trade up. Speaking of which, Houston has four Day 2 selections (No. 58, 79, and 89) to help with a move.
With the 2025 NFL draft beginning at 8 p.m. ET, it won't be long before Texans fans learn if help is on the way for Stroud.