As the Houston Texans head into the 2024 NFL Draft, the organization is prioritizing a powerful and balanced rebuild, with a sharp focus on fortifying both the offensive and defensive lines. After a challenging 2023 season, the Texans are looking to make significant strides in key areas to establish a more competitive roster. In a recent two-round mock draft, experts predict Houston will target two standout prospects—Jalen Carter and Paris Johnson Jr.—along with a couple of potential game-changers, Keion White and Joe Alt. Together, these selections could completely reshape the Texans’ trenches and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
The Need for Trenches: A Quick Recap
For the Texans, the road to competitiveness runs through the trenches. In 2023, while the team saw significant progress on offense, particularly with the development of rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, the team’s performance in both the run game and pass protection was inconsistent. On defense, Houston struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the run defense left much to be desired. The need for upgrades to both the offensive and defensive lines is undeniable.
Houston’s offensive line ranked 26th in the league in 2023, allowing 47 sacks on the season, which placed added pressure on Stroud to make quick decisions in the pocket. Meanwhile, the defensive front was not much better, finishing 27th in total sacks with just 39, and allowing 4.5 yards per carry on average. These deficiencies highlight the Texans’ immediate need to strengthen both their offensive and defensive lines in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 2: Jalen Carter – The Game-Changer for the Defensive Line
At pick No. 2, the Texans are in a prime position to select one of the top prospects in the draft, and many experts believe Georgia’s Jalen Carter is the perfect choice. Carter, a 6’3″, 310-pound defensive tackle, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the 2024 draft class.
Carter played a pivotal role in Georgia’s back-to-back national championships, earning recognition as one of the most disruptive interior defenders in college football. His combination of strength, quickness, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. In 2023, Carter registered 37 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss, displaying his ability to collapse the pocket from the inside. His agility and quickness allow him to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays before they can develop, whether in the run game or pass rush.
For the Texans, Carter would bring an immediate upgrade to their defensive line, which has struggled to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks and stop the run. Pairing Carter with Will Anderson Jr., the team’s 2023 top draft pick, could form a terrifying pass rush duo, giving defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans the tools to implement more aggressive schemes.
Carter’s ability to play all three positions on the defensive line (nose tackle, 3-technique, and 5-technique) would give Ryans flexibility in his defensive front. The Texans have been looking for a game-changer in the middle of their defensive line, and Carter checks all the boxes. If the Texans go this route, they would be building a foundation for a dominant defense, one that can disrupt both the run game and the passing attack with equal ferocity.
Round 1, Pick 12: Paris Johnson Jr. – A Left Tackle to Protect Stroud’s Future
With their second first-round pick at No. 12, the Texans will turn their attention to protecting their young franchise quarterback, CJ Stroud. The 2023 rookie showed plenty of promise despite a lackluster offensive line, but the Texans need to ensure Stroud has the protection necessary to thrive long-term.
Ohio State’s Paris Johnson Jr., a 6’6″, 310-pound offensive tackle, is considered one of the top prospects in the draft. Johnson has been a standout at left tackle for the Buckeyes, known for his combination of size, strength, and quick feet. He’s played against top-tier talent in the Big Ten and has excelled at both pass protection and run blocking.
In 2023, Johnson’s performance helped Ohio State’s offense remain one of the most potent in the country, allowing only 10 sacks throughout the season. His pass protection is particularly impressive, showcasing a rare blend of strength to handle power rushers and quickness to mirror speed rushers. For the Texans, Johnson’s ability to protect the blindside would be a major boon for Stroud’s development, giving him the stability to progress as a pocket passer and potentially develop into one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Johnson’s versatility also makes him a potential option for either left or right tackle. While he’s primarily played left tackle, the Texans could opt to start him on the right side if they feel that veteran Tytus Howard could make a smooth transition to guard. Either way, selecting Johnson would instantly improve Houston’s offensive line, which would create more opportunities for Stroud and open up running lanes for rookie running back Devin Singletary and others.
Round 2, Pick 33: Keion White – The Disruptive Edge Rusher
As the Texans look to continue fortifying their defensive front in Round 2, Georgia Tech’s Keion White could be a perfect addition. A 6’5″, 285-pound edge rusher, White has the physical tools and raw athleticism to develop into a key piece of the Texans’ defense.
White’s breakout season came in 2023 when he registered 7 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt quarterbacks makes him a perfect complement to Will Anderson Jr. on the other side. White’s combination of speed, power, and length makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles, and he possesses the versatility to line up as a stand-up linebacker or with his hand in the dirt.
For the Texans, adding White would immediately give them a much-needed pass rush threat from the edge. His presence could also allow DeMeco Ryans to be more creative with his defensive schemes, as White’s ability to drop into coverage or rush the passer makes him a versatile weapon. With Anderson and White, Houston could form one of the most dangerous edge-rushing duos in the league, one that would consistently force opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations.
Round 2, Pick 41: Joe Alt – The Versatile Offensive Tackle
Finally, with the 41st overall pick, the Texans could bolster their offensive line further by selecting Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. A 6’8″, 320-pound offensive tackle, Alt has the size and power to be an immediate contributor at the NFL level. He’s played both left and right tackle at Notre Dame, demonstrating his versatility and ability to protect the quarterback from either side.
In 2023, Alt was a key member of Notre Dame’s offensive line, which was known for its ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. His footwork and technical refinement make him one of the most polished tackles in this draft class. Like Johnson, Alt would provide the Texans with depth and flexibility along the offensive line, with the potential to be a future starter at right tackle or even left tackle if necessary.
Conclusion: A Foundation for the Future
In this bold two-round mock draft, the Houston Texans set the stage for an exciting future by prioritizing the trenches. With Jalen Carter and Keion White on defense, and Paris Johnson Jr. and Joe Alt on offense, the Texans would dramatically improve both their pass rush and protection for Stroud. By building from the inside out, Houston is positioning itself to be competitive for years to come, with a strong foundation that can support sustained success in both the passing game and the running game.
With these selections, the Texans would send a clear message: they are committed to building a powerful, balanced roster capable of challenging for a playoff spot in the near future.
