2025 NFL Mock Draft: Houston Texans take tackle

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

With the 25th pick in the 2025 Draft, the Houston Texans select Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State.

The Houston Texans are reshaping their offensive line this offseason, signaling a clear commitment to protecting C.J. Stroud and improving their running game. These changes come after what seemed like a successful season for the team, winning a wild-card game and challenging the eventual AFC Champion Chiefs in the Divisional round. Offensively the Texans’ production was sub-par, ranking 19th in points scored per game, 15th in rushing yards per game, and 21st in passing yards per game. Consequently, DeMeco Ryans has made a change at Offensive Coordinator, bringing in Nick Caley from the Rams to take control of the unit.

With the change in offensive leadership, the team took steps to revamp their offensive line unit by trading away veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders, a surprising move that created a void at a premium position. Additionally, they parted ways with starting right guard Shaq Mason and traded former first-round guard Kenyon Green (let’s hope this move looks like a mistake after watching him break out with the Eagles).

In response to these departures, the Texans have been active in free agency and the trade market. They signed veteran offensive tackle Cam Robinson to a one-year deal, providing an experienced option at left tackle. Furthermore, they acquired offensive guard Laken Tomlinson and traded for offensive guard Ed Ingram, bolstering the interior of the line. The Texans topped off these moves by adding a veteran option at right tackle, bringing in 10-year veteran Trent Brown. These moves, as well as the continued development of Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson, Blake Fisher, and Tytus Howard, provide a solid base for the offensive line room. However, even with these additions, the long-term picture at offensive tackle remains uncertain. Cam Robinson and Trent Brown both signed one-year deals, indicating the team needs to consider adding a young, high-upside tackle in the draft who can provide crucial long-term stability and potential at a premium position.

Given the recent changes and the ongoing need for long-term solutions at offensive tackle, drafting Josh Simmons at pick 25 makes considerable sense. His exceptional athleticism, fluid movement, and effectiveness in space are traits that can be immediately valuable in the Texans’ offensive scheme, particularly in creating running lanes for Joe Mixon and protecting Stroud after the team was tied for 3rd in sacks allowed (54) in the 2024 season. His physicality and ability to finish blocks align with the toughness the Texans will want to establish upfront.

Simmons’ experience playing both left and right tackle provides valuable versatility. Simmons began his college career at San Diego State, where he started at right tackle for 13 games in 2022 after redshirting his true freshman season. He transferred to Ohio State in 2023, where he started a total of 19 games over the next two seasons at left tackle. This swing tackle experience will provide immediate depth and allow him to develop into a cornerstone starter as his career progresses.

The big question for the Texans will be the seriousness of Josh Simmons’ knee injury (torn patellar tendon suffered in October 2024). His immediate availability and the potential long-term impact on his athleticism are legitimate concerns. However, if the Texans’ medical team is confident in Simmons’ recovery trajectory and his ability to regain his pre-injury form, the potential reward of drafting a player once considered a potential top-10 pick could be substantial.

Other positions and candidates that were considered were along the defensive front, specifically at defensive tackle (Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen), other offensive line prospects with more inside-outside versatility (Donovan Jackson), a guard-only prospect (Tyler Booker), as well as wide receiver (Jayden Higgins and Luther Burden III).

The Houston Texans’ offseason moves on the offensive line underscore their commitment to improving this crucial unit. While they have added experienced veterans, drafting Josh Simmons at pick 25 offers the opportunity to secure a high-upside player who can become a foundational piece for years to come. His athleticism, versatility, and potential to develop into a top-tier tackle align perfectly with the Texans’ long-term vision of building a dominant offense around C.J. Stroud. By investing in a talent like Simmons, the Texans can further solidify their offensive line and ensure the continued protection and success of their franchise quarterback.

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2025 BGN Mock Draft Order

1) Titans (JoeDirtsBarber): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

2) Browns (kjb304): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

3) Giants (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop): Cam Ward, QB, Miami

4) Patriots (ReginaldHtower): Will Campbell, OT, LSU

5) Jaguars (eaglenomics): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

6) Raiders (dkays): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

7) Jets (Stick19154): Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

8) Panthers (89Tremaine): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

9) Saints (FierceDisc65): Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

10) Bears (DrprofBubbles): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

11) 49ers (granthill7): Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

12) Cowboys (Be subpar for Ja’Marr): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

13) Dolphins (thehead92): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

14) Colts (green1us): Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State

15) Falcons (All_Hail_Howie): James Peace Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

16) Cardinals (Good Bad Ideas): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

17) Bengals (ablesser88): Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

18) Seahawks (herbalonius): Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

19) Buccaneers (Hoosinole): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

20) Broncos (Silverlark60): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

21) Steelers (Dr.MidnightGreen): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

22) Chargers (LancGuy): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

23) Packers (Leo Bedio): Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

24) Vikings (krikkebelgium): Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

25) Texans (Aint1stULast): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

26) Rams (Booth12)

27) Ravens (pheebthegoose)

28) Lions (Neil Dutton)

29) Commanders (Mailata_in_a_Miata)

30) Bills (PhilaWolverine)

31) Chiefs (niels.rosenquist)

32) Eagles (Philly21)

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Now it’s time for you to vote for who YOU think should be selected in the 2025 BGN Community Consensus Mock Draft.

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Who should the Houston Texans pick at No. 25 overall?

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  OT Josh Conerly Jr.

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1) Titans: QB Cam Ward

2) Browns: EDGE Abdul Carter

3) Giants: WR/CB Travis Hunter

4) Patriots: OT Will Campbell

5) Jaguars: DT Mason Graham

6) Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty

7) Jets: OT Armand Membou

8) Panthers: CB Will Johnson

9) Saints: EDGE Jalon Walker

10) Bears: TE Tyler Warren

11) 49ers: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.

12) Cowboys: WR Tetairoa McMillan

13) Dolphins: OT Josh Simmons

14) Colts: TE Colston Loveland

15) Falcons: EDGE Mykel Williams

16) Cardinals: EDGE James Pearce Jr.

17) Bengals: EDGE Shemar Stewart

18) Seahawks: QB Shedeur Sanders

19) Buccaneers: LB Jihaad Campbell

20) Broncos: RB Omarion Hampton

21) Steelers: QB Jaxson Dart

22) Chargers: DT Kenneth Grant

23) Packers: CB Jahdae Barron

24) Vikings: S Malaki Starks

25) Texans: