Houston Texans protect quarterback CJ Stroud at all costs, add dynamic running back in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

Latest 7-round 2026 NFL Draft adds much needed support for Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Oct 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis (96) and Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) battle during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The worst nightmares for the Houston Texans have been realized so far during the 2025 NFL season. Star quarterback CJ Stroud has been banged up, and the offensive line has been a major problem. Most fans expected the latter to be the case heading into the year, and unfortunately, it has also led to the former. 

Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Texans staff will have a lot of holes to try and fill on this team next offseason, and it starts up front. In my latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft, fixing the offensive line was the top priority. From there, it was about finding a playmaker in the backfield, and filling some holes on the defense as well. 

Houston Texans 7-round mock draft 

Round 1, Pick 15: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah 

The whole offensive line could be upgraded theoretically, so there isn’t much of a question for what route the Texans should go early in April. Fano is the starting right tackle for the Utes, and one of the more impact run blockers in the class. He would also be a tremendous interior player if that was the best need for him. Having that type of versatility is a valuable commodity to an offensive line that needs to find the best five, anyway possible. 

Round 2, Pick 39: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon 

Should the Texans double dip on the offensive line with their first two selections? The short answer should be, yes. World is an impressive athlete with length for days. The game is still slowing down for him, which is expected for a player making the jump from Nevada to the Big Ten. Betting on traits at offensive tackle is usually a very sound investment, and this feels like great value at this point. It wouldn’t be surprising, 

Round 2, Pick 46: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington 

The future of the running back position has some question marks right now for Houston, and Coleman would make it a lot better instantly. While Coleman was a good player previously, he looks to be in a lot better shape, and more explosive this year. Along with rookie Woody Marks, this would be a pretty diverse running back room with some mismatch potential. Coleman brings the physicality and contact balance you want for a lead back in a committee approach. 

Round 3, Pick 67: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State 

While some will overlook Durant due to his size (6-1, 290 pounds), he is an extremely good football player who is active. His first step is good, and flexibility is outstanding. Durant is also stronger than you’d anticipate. There may be some limitations due to his size, but this is a winning football player.

Round 4, Pick 107: Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE, Michigan 

Barham has experience playing both linebacker and EDGE at Maryland and with the Wolverines. He has some impressive explosiveness, and always seems to be around the football. While he might be a bit of a tweener, a creative defensive coordinator can surely get a lot of Barham. His best pathway appears to be as a SAM linebacker who can always double as a sub rusher. 

Round 4, Pick 115: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana 

There might not be a more underrated safety in the country than Ferrell. At 6-2 and 200 pounds, he has the natural size and physicality to make plays in the box. It is his movement skills and coverage upside, however, that will surprise some folks that pop on his film for the first time. This could end up being way too low for him, but Ferrell was available. He looks like a future starter. 

Round 5, Pick 154: Jack Endries, TE, Texas 

After a solid start to the season, it has been a quiet campaign for the Cal transfer. Endries is still a talented move tight end who brings some interesting pass catching upside. He is never going to be a player used much inline, which will limit him to a degree. As long as he’s willing to play some special teams early on, there is some upside to try and develop. 

Round 7, Pick 229: Fernando Carmona, OG, Arkansas 

After playing left tackle at San Jose State and his first year with the Razorbacks, Carmona made the transition inside to guard this season. Inside, his skill set is much more suited, especially with Carmona having sub 32-inch arms. His combination of explosiveness, physicality, and hand strength are much better in tighter spaces. Carmona is an experienced offensive lineman who has the talent and consistency to earn a spot on a roster. He should be able to go into the game, and at least keep the offense afloat. 

Round 7, Pick 232: Randon Fontenette, S/LB, Vanderbilt 

Fontenette plays the overhang spot in the Vanderbilt defense, making a ton of plays as a blitzer and coming off of the edge. There are going to be some questions about how his game translates to the next level, and it is a very fair thing to ask. Fontenette is going to either need to show that he can play a traditional safety role, or gain some weight and begin the transition to the second level. Regardless of what position he ends up at, Fontenette’s best route to making a roster will come as a core special teamer. 

Related Articles