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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cole Thompson

Texans address perhaps top need in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft

If the Houston Texans plan on taking that next step over the divisional-round woes, they’ll need to fix the offensive line.

Five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil is locked in at left tackle after another strong season protecting C.J. Stroud in pass-blocking. Outside of him, the other four spots are up for grabs.

While Houston can’t address every need with a veteran addition, it can pivot toward the draft to secure a cheap long-term option with upside. That’s been the plan in most mock drafts, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., who has the Texans selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the No. 25 overall pick.

Here’s another player who missed most of the 2024 season. Simmons was out after six games with a left knee injury. Had he stayed healthy, I think we’d be talking about him as a OT1 candidate in this class. He’s consistent in pass protection and drives back defenders in the run game. Houston’s pass protection was anything but consistent this season, allowing 54 sacks
(tied for third-most). Quarterback C.J. Stroud was constantly on the run. The Texans have left tackle Laremy Tunsil under contract for two more seasons, but Simmons could fit in at right tackle or even a guard spot for now before potentially taking over on the left side down the road.

Selecting Simmons comes with some concerns. While viewed as potentially the highest upside pass-protector, Simmons hasn’t played since October and didn’t help the Buckeyes hoist their first national title since 2014.

When looking at Kiper’s draft, four other offensive linemen were off the board inside the top 20, including fan favorite Tyler Booker from Alabama. Simmons could also be viewed as more of a long-term play rather than a Day 1 starter.

Tunsil’s contract is moveable after the 2025 season, but he also could be elected to finish his career out in Houston on a short-term extension. Rookie Blake Fisher was a hit-and-miss at times while playing right tackle, so a shift inside might better become the eventual play.

Simmons fits the bill of shoring up the offensive line for the long run. He might not have blocked for Stroud in Columbus, but the San Diego native will have a chance to lead on the Buckeyes’ tradition of winning on the right side in Houston for the long haul.

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