AFC SouthPick: #28 Overall

Houston Texans: 2026 NFL Draft Preview

How They Got Here

The Texans went from 3-13-1 (2022) to 10-7 (2024) to 12-5 (2025). The turnaround under Ryans has been stunning. Stroud won Offensive Rookie of the Year and has only improved. The AFC Championship loss to Kansas City (27-24) showed Houston is close but not quite there yet.

Team Needs

OLCBEDGE

Houston picks at #28 via Buffalo after trading their original first-rounder (#22) to Arizona in the blockbuster deal that netted them the #3 overall pick. The Texans then traded #3 to... well, it's complicated (see Arizona). The end result: Houston has #28 from Buffalo after a 12-5 season and AFC Championship loss to Kansas City. C.J. Stroud is an MVP candidate (32 TDs, 8 INTs, 105.2 rating), and the Texans are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. This pick should add depth to a loaded roster.

Draft Outlook

Interior line, safety, or linebacker are all reasonable targets at #28. Bisontis protects Stroud. Thieneman adds secondary depth. Hill gives Ryans a local playmaker. Houston won't reach — they'll trust their board and add the best available player to an already loaded roster.

Top Prospect Fits

1. Chase Bisontis

OG — Texas A&M

A textbook interior lineman with surgical footwork. At 6-4, 310 lbs, Bisontis' NFL-ready technique fits Houston's zone-blocking scheme. Protecting Stroud is paramount — Bisontis is one of the safest picks available. Odds: +200 to go #28 (favorite).

2. Dillon Thieneman

S — Oregon

An instinctive ball-finder who'd add range to Houston's secondary. At 6-1, 205 lbs, Thieneman's coverage ability fits DeMeco Ryans' aggressive defense. A luxury pick for a loaded roster. Odds: +225 to go #28.

3. Anthony Hill Jr.

LB — Texas

A local product who can hit, run, and cover. At 6-2, 235 lbs, Hill's turnover production and versatility give Houston's defense another chess piece. UT to the Texans would be a perfect fit. Odds: +275 to go #28.

Draft Strategy

Houston is drafting for depth, not need. The roster is loaded, Stroud is ascending, and DeMeco Ryans has the defense humming. The Texans will take the best player available at #28 and continue building a dynasty.

Betting Analysis

The #28 pick market is wide open. Bisontis leads at +200, Thieneman at +225, Hill at +275. Houston is -125 to draft a defensive player in Round 1. Bisontis at +200 offers the safe offensive line play. Thieneman at +225 adds secondary depth. Hill at +275 is the local hero narrative.