Max Iheanachor, Houston Texans
Getty
Max Iheanachor of the Arizona State Sun Devils participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Houston Texans have undergone a significant makeover along their offensive line for the second straight offseason. Longer-term solutions such as Max Iheanachor or Keylan Rutledge–and perhaps even both–in the 2026 draft could be in order for the Texans.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio has also been open about his willingness to position the team for players they want and/or additional draft capital.
However, standing pat and filling needs could align with the best-player-available strategy.
Texans Linked to OL Duo Amid Expected Draft Plans
Max Iheanachor, Houston Texans
GettyMax Iheanachor of the Arizona State Sun Devils participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime believes that the Texans all but have to concentrate their efforts on long-term solutions for the offensive line. Colleague Matt Miller took it a step further, indicating that is his read on the Texans’ intentions.
“Despite their offensive line overhaul this offseason, the Texans are expected to continue their aggressiveness in building that position group in the draft,” Miller wrote on April 9. “Tackle Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) and guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) are names to circle as possibilities on Day 1 and Day 2.”
The Texans traded away their top offensive lineman, Tytus Howard. They added Braden Smith, Evan Brown, and Wyatt Teller in free agency. They also re-signed Ed Ingram and last season’s starting right tackle, Trent Brown.
Houston drafted left tackle Aireontae Ersery last offseason after trading out of the first round.
That could be the play for Caserio and Co. this time around, too. The Texans are slated to pick 28th overall in the draft.
Texans Could Double Up on OL in 2026 Draft
Keylan Rutledge
GettyKeylan Rutledge #77 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reacts during a game against the Syracuse Orange.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Iheanachor as his OT7 in his annual “The Beast” draft guide. Brugler called Iheanachor an “ascending player.”
He could need a “redshirt” season, as well as “a patient coaching staff” at the next level, though.
“Iheanachor is still learning how to refine his talent on a more consistent basis,” Brugler wrote, “but his traits (athletic build, balanced quickness, play strength) form an exciting foundation for a future starting right tackle.”
Brugler ranked Rutledge as his fourth-best guard prospect in the class.
However, there is a bonus to Rutledge that the Texans or another team could explore with him in their system.
“Rutledge will have trouble at times protecting his edges, but his aggressive mindset and competitive toughness are the roots of his success,” Brugler said of Rutledge. “If his medicals are clean, he will compete for immediate playing time at either guard or center (he has been snapping for teams during the pre-draft process).”
Texans Must Eliminate Variables Where Possible
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
GettyC.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The underlying driver behind the Texans’ need to address their O-line long-term, and the draft being the best pathway, is because of quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Texans picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, which keeps him under team control through the 2027 season. But his long-term future remains up in the air. It could require a big season to secure the kind of big-money deal that once seemed like a foregone conclusion.
Houston’s job is to ensure Stroud has the best supporting cast around him.
Ensuring they have the best line possible is key for the Texans to evaluate Stroud. Finding cost-controlled solutions like Iheanachor or Rutledge in the draft is critical if the QB gets paid.