Houston Texans protect CJ Stroud at all costs, add even more offensive weapons in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft provides Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud with much needed support.
After a rough beginning of the season, the Houston Texans have recovered under backup quarterback Davis Mills. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has built a great culture, and his team plays incredibly hard for him. With CJ Stroud in place as their franchise signal caller, the future is very bright for the team.
In order to create a sustainable product, the Houston front office must continue loading up this roster with talent. The 2026 NFL Draft will be another way to accomplish that and replenish the roster. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, providing Stroud with more support was the top priority.
Round 1, Pick 17: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
The Texans need to get better on the offensive line at all costs necessary. Ioane slimmed down going into the season, and he’s been so much more flexible and fleet of foot because of it. There may not be a safer player in this class than Ioane, who should be a good starter at the very least.
Round 2, Pick 38: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
III you want a nose tackle who isn’t going to get moved at the point of attack, then McDonald is your guy. At 6-3 and 327 pounds, he makes the lives of linebackers a whole lot easier.
Round 2, Pick 48: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Blessed with impressive movement skills and length, the game is really starting to slow down for Miller this season. He projects favorably as a future starter at right tackle. Miller could become a plus option if his power profile continues to improve.
Round 3, Pick 66: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Coleman was a good player in 2024, but he looks like a different athlete this season. He is a strong runner who runs with great contact balance, but his twitchiness is on a much higher level this season. The former Arizona transfer profiles as an early down difference maker in a committee approach.
Round 4, Pick 108: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The former top-ranked quarterback recruit has developed into one of the very best tight ends in the country. Stowers is your prototype move piece who can be an absolute weapon in the passing game.
Round 4, Pick 117: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
The son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah is the best of the brothers. He has an old school feel at 6-2 and 237 pounds, possessing good processing, football IQ, and power.
Round 5, Pick 156: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
There are a lot of raw athletic gifts to bank on with McKinney, who hasn’t quite put it all together in 2025. That will make him a bit of a gamble, but is very much worth the gamble at this juncture of the draft.
Round 7, Pick 232: Connor Tollison, IOL, Missouri
Tollison had an impressive 2024 season, but an injury ended up derailing it. The talented center has struggled mightily this season, although there is a ton of athleticism to still bank on.
Round 7, Pick 238: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Payne is a bigger safety that Kansas State is comfortable enough to let play single high. He is a very inconsistent player right now with some natural physical gifts.