The Houston Texans are in the middle of a crucial offseason as C.J. Stroud looks to regain his offensive rookie of the year form under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
As the offseason begins, the focus has shifted to improving the roster at key offensive positions, including the offensive line and wide receiver.
The Texans had one of the worst offensive lines in 2024, allowing 54 sacks, second only to the Chicago Bears. Houston’s problem is its draft pick at No. 25.
If the Texans wait for a Tyler Booker to fall, he might be gone they’re on the clock. Outside of the Alabama All-American, it’s hard to imagine anyone being worth the selection, so perhaps a pivot to wide receiver is best.
In a new mock draft from NFL.com’s Dan Parr, the Texans miss out on Booker and target a former go-to target of Stroud in Ohio State receiver Emeka Eguba. Houston’s been linked to both the Buckeyes star and Texas receiver Matthew Golden, but with the latter off the board, the pick becomes easy.
With Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods headed for free agency, and Tank Dell working his way back from a severe injury, there’s a gaping void at receiver in Houston. The Texans do right by their quarterback and reunite C.J. Stroud with his fellow Buckeye.
During Stroud’s final season in Columbus, Egbuka was the No. 2 weapon behind future first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. The duo connected for 74 catches and a career-best 1,151 to match his 10 touchdown receptions en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.
After being limited to 10 games in 2023, Egubka elected to return for his senior season. The decision proved wise as he notched a second 1,000-yard campaign, serving once more as the No. 2 weapon behind Jeremiah Smith en route to a national championship.
With Diggs expected to hit the free agent market and Woods likely leaving this offseason after serving as the Texans’ No. 4 receiver, Houston must target at least two new receivers to add to the roster.
There will be options in free agency, including New York Giants’ Darius Slayton and Buffalo’s Amari Cooper, but getting a young pass-catcher to provide stability opposite Nico Collins is hard to ignore.
Scouts view the 6-foot Washington native as a slot receiver at the next level. With smooth hands, an above-average route tree and toughness to take on hit, Egbuka could be a Day 1 starter in most offensive formations.
If the Texans pass on Egbuka at pick No. 25, they will have five more picks to land at least one weapon to a now-deflated passing game in 2025.