The Houston Texans must bolster their interior offensive line for the 2025 NFL season if they plan on remaining a threat in the AFC South.
That’s what The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has them doing with the No. 22 overall pick in his latest mock draft.
With a clear need for help at the guard position, Houston lands perhaps the most proven plug-and-play option with Alabama’s Tyler Booker. Brugler mentioned Booker’s mean streak as a reason for the selection on Thursday night.
The Texans will make it a priority this offseason to improve the interior of their offensive line, and selecting Booker would be one way of doing that. The Alabama mauler is a powerful blocker with enough athleticism to handle what Houston likes to do on offense.
There’s little question that the Texans do need more consistency at the left and right spots. Kenyon Green is back on the season-ending injured reserve for the second time in three years. He also was a liability in pass protection.
Veteran Shaq Mason is suffering a down season after a breakout 2022 campaign. With all of his guarantees paid in full, Houston could part ways with him in the offseason.
Tyler Booker let ‘em know… pic.twitter.com/IlHv8vv4fK
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) November 10, 2024
Booker has everything needed to be a Day 1 starter. After starting three seasons for the Crimson Tide, he’s been a part of championship pedigree programs with stability protecting mobile quarterbacks.
This past season, Booker’s allowed three pressures all year blocking for Jalen Milroe. He’s also been the lead blocker in run support for Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, who currently are averaging 4.8 yards per rush.
Booker was the fifth offensive lineman taken and first full-time guard, trailing LSU’s Will Campbell (No. 4), Texas’ Kelvin Banks (No. 10), Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery (No. 17), and Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. (No. 20).
Day 1 NFL starter at guard.
Hell of a job by LG Tyler Booker (52) driving through his lower half. pic.twitter.com/9uorPWoHbh
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 10, 2024
The Texans look to better their draft stock following the bye week when they play host to the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.
