Houston Texans add much-needed protection for CJ Stroud, target dynamic defenders in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Latest 2026 NFL mock draft gives Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud some much-needed support.
Expectations were extremely high for head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans heading into the NFL season. Unfortunately for the organization, they have been dealt with some injuries and have limped to a 3-5 overall record to begin the season. Quarterback CJ Stroud is now dealing with a concussion, and this team will need to find some answers quickly.
In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, getting more support around Stroud was the top priority. From there, filling in other bigger holes on the roster was paramount. Both were accomplished during this exercise.
Round 1, Pick 14: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
While Mauigoa plays right tackle for Miami, his best spot might be inside at guard on the next level. Luckily for the Hurricane star, the Texans have big needs at both spots. He is one of the more dominant run blockers in the class and should become a plus starter very early in his career.
Round 2, Pick 42: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen doesn’t play a flashy game, but he is an extremely physical downhill run plugger who plays with tremendous tenacity. He is slightly limited in pass coverage, but Allen possesses good range in the run game, blitzes well, and is extremely intelligent. This should be your starting middle linebacker for the foreseeable future.
Round 2, Pick 45: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn
If Lew was healthy, there was a strong chance that he could have gone in the first round. With the injury, there is a chance he could slide a bit, but he shouldn’t fall too far. Lew is an incredibly smooth mover at 6-3 and 300 pounds, and has very real Pro Bowl upside down the road.
Round 3, Pick 70: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
Haynes was a former five-star recruit back in the 2023 class, and he started to showcase that talent this year with the Wolverines. He has impressive straight-line speed and boasts good contact balance, while running very hard consistently. Haynes is undergoing foot surgery, which could knock him down the board a bit depending on how he recovers.
Round 4, Pick 111: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
A bigger safety at 6-2 and 202 pounds, Ferrell is one of the more underrated defenders in the 2026 class. He has the side to make a lot of plays in the running game, playing extremely well downhill. Ferrell is also a much better coverage safety than you would expect, boasting a ton of upside in all capacities.
Round 4, Pick 114: Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
You won’t find a more physically imposing defensive tackle in the class than Harris. At 6-8 and 330 pounds, Harris slightly resembles Switowski from The Longest Yard. He has some impressive flash plays, but the consistency for Harris needs to improve.
Round 5, Pick 153: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Raridon is a big athlete who should test exceptionally well for his size. He has had multiple knee injuries in the past, so there will be some injury question marks to answer. When healthy, he has some real upside as a pass game weapon at 6-7 and 250 pounds.
Round 7, Pick 229: Jeremiah Wright, OG, Auburn
At 6-5 and 348 pounds, Wright is a massive offensive lineman who does his best work in tight spaces. When he gets inside on defenders, reps are typically over. His ability to make a roster is going to come down to conditioning and playing with more consistent bend.
Round 7, Pick 235: Raion Strader, CB, Auburn
The former Miami (OH) standout hasn’t gotten a ton of opportunities with Auburn in 2025, but at this point in the draft, you are better on traits. Strader has nice ball skills, evidenced by his 18 pass breakups and two interceptions in 2024. He’s a talented athlete who needs refinement.
NFL Draft
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