Kyron Drones, Houston Texans
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Kyron Drones #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts following a win against the Boston College Eagles.
The Houston Texans are gearing up for the 2026 draft in less than two weeks, and their process has led to gathering more intel on quarterback Kyron Drones.
The Texans already boast a QB room that is three-deep, including C.J. Stroud.
Still, Drones joined Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith’s son, E.J. Smith, and several others in taking part in on-field workouts at NRG Stadium on Friday, and the QB’s presence could be a strong indication of the team’s long-term plans.
Texans Get Closer Look at Former Hokies QB Kyron Drones
VT vs UVA Live Stream
GettyKyron Drones #1 of the Virginia Tech Hokies throws the ball against the NC State Wolfpack.
“The Texans held their annual local prospect day Friday morning with players meeting coach DeMeco Ryans and other staff members,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on April 10. “The meeting, testing and medical exams included strong-armed Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones.
“Drones’ cousin through marriage is Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.”
Drones, who attended Shadow Creek High School in Pearland, Texas, is coming off a rough final season. He completed 56.5% of his passes for 1,919 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions for the Hokies in 2025. He finished his career with a 5,785-45-19 line.
Drones failed to make the cut on ESPN’s list of the top 12 QBs in this class, while Pro Football Focus ranks him 290th overall.
That would put him on track to be an undrafted free agent.
“The main thing he has going for him is the physical tools,” OnSI’s Brett Holmes wrote in March. “It’s no secret how good a runner Drones is. Every time the offense got to the red zone, he was the number one option. His stout frame with the rushing style of Cam Newton makes him a difficult force to bring down. He wasn’t as flashy in the open field as he was in previous years, but Drones can make a case as one of the better athletes at the position.
“The faults lie within his throwing accuracy. Reports from the Shrine Bowl and the Hula Bowl were hit-or-miss. Standing out there would’ve proved the league wrong for not extending an invite to Indy. If there’s one thing that needs to snatch the attention of scouts, it’s his deep ball. The arm talent is still there, but the confidence behind it was at an all-time low this past season.”
The Texans have 2021 third-round pick Davis Mills behind Stroud, but he is in the final year of his contract. They also selected Graham Mertz in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. Drones could need that setup to change to earn an opportunity with the Texans.
Texans Get Closer Look at Multiple Local Prospects
E.J. Smith
GettyE.J. Smith #22 of Texas A&M runs the ball against Sage Ryan #3 of the LSU Tigers.
Drones and Smith, a Stanford transfer who finished his career with Texas A&M, headlined a laundry list of prospects who got a chance to showcase themselves for Ryans and the Texans.
The group also included cornerbacks Collin Wright, Omari Porter, and Joshua Eaton, defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr., kickers Ethan Sanchez and Jayden Fielding, linebacker Shad Banks, offensive linemen Damieon George Jr. and Kam Dewberry, and safety Taylen Blaylock.
Wide receivers Stephon Johnson and Tyren Montgomery also participated.