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Houston Texans’ 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft: Finding CJ Stroud more support, and retooling the defensive front

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 12:35 AM ET

It was a valiant effort, but unfortunately the Houston Texans came up short during their 23-14 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Head coach DeMeco Ryans is building something outstanding, but the roster still has several holes that need to be filled. It all starts with supporting their franchise quarterback CJ Stroud.

Now that the season is over, they can focus on finding those answers. The 2025 NFL Draft is a big opportunity to replenish, and find tremendous talent. This could be a haul that can help get the Texans over the top next season.

Round 1, Pick 25: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

The Texans have needs at both right tackle and right guard moving forward, and someone like Ersery could potentially fill either spot. At 6-6 and 338 pounds, Ersery has outstanding power and really nice movement skills for a guard. He also has the size and length to play outside, although his redirection skills might limit his overall upside as a pass protector.

There’s going to be some debate about whether Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery (#69) sticks at tackle, or whether he is best served inside at guard… and honestly, it’s going to depend on the scheme.

Regardless, dude is a butt kicker. When he gets his paws on you, good luck. pic.twitter.com/F1UFpMsACS
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) November 27, 2024

Round 2, Pick 58: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

It was a second half of the season to forget for Bond, but there is still no questioning his athletic tools. Bond is fast, incredibly quick, and gets up to his top gear in a flash. If you can find the best version of him, then you are getting an impact pass catcher to go along with Nico Collins, especially with injury question marks surrounding Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

Round 3, Pick 89: Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

Houston is very good on the edges, but finding some more impactful interior players should be a priority this offseason. Turner began his career at defensive end for the Aggies, but eventually morphed into a full time defensive tackle. His combination of athleticism and nonstop motor would be a welcomed addition inside.

Round 4, Pick 126: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson

Tight end is clearly a unit that needs an injection of talent. Briningstool didn’t quite take the step some hoped for in 2024, but there is still a lot of talent to work with. He is an outstanding athlete who changes direction at a near elite level. The pass catching upside Briningstool brings to the table offers an interesting mismatch weapon for quarterback CJ Stroud.

Round 5, Pick 164: Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, UNC

You can never have enough talented pass rushers, especially when you find another one in the fifth round. Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson is one of the very best pass rushing duos in the NFL. Now imagine them on third downs with a little Rucker mixed in. For what Rucker lacks in height, he makes up for with relentlessly and nuance.

Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, UNC

Explosive first step… gets the right tackle to overset and hits inside move. This is a really instinctive rusher who can work both the outside and inside shoulder. I’m very intrigued. pic.twitter.com/55iYRbVIxD
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) June 28, 2024

Round 7, Pick 241: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State

Travis had some draft hype while he was a member of the Princeton Tigers program, but that died down after an injury during the 2023 season. He eventually ended up with Iowa State, and started playing good football down the stretch of the season. At a hair over 6-7 and 320 pounds, there are a lot of raw tools to develop.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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