Here are the Houston Texans biggest needs heading into the NFL Draft
DRAFT SZN
11 April 2024
Their biggest needs appear to be on defense. Composite image by Jack Brame.
With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, Mike Florio and Chris Simms examine the Texans roster and predict which spots the team will look to improve.
Simms believes that Houston needs to upgrade at corner and defensive tackle, with Desmond King and Denico Autry getting a little long in the tooth. Let's not forget DT Maliek Collins was traded away to the 49ers, and free agent DT Foley Fatukasi only signed a one-year deal with the Texans.
Not to mention, the two cornerbacks the Texans signed in free agency (Jeff Okudah, CJ Henderson) haven't been very productive over the first several years of their careers. Both players were first-round picks in the draft that never lived up to expectations.
Check out the video above for the full breakdown.
Jose Altuve tied a career high with four hits, highlighted by a three-run homer, to lead the Houston Astros to a 9-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
🚨TUVE BOMB🚨#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/PUQjyQCOhkÂ
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 30, 2025
It was Altuve’s second four-hit game of the season and 41st of his career, which extends a franchise record. He was 4 for 4 and scored three times.
COOPER HUMMEL !!!!!#Astros vs Nationals on SCHN@astros I #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/ruljKA57oSÂ
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) July 30, 2025
Cooper Hummel hit a two-run homer and Yainer DÃaz added a three-run shot to help the AL West leaders win a second straight after they snapped a season-long five-game skid with a 7-4 win Tuesday night.
Again?!?!?!?! https://t.co/TS03tmIdYUÂ pic.twitter.com/CDc5jaOWg4Â
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 30, 2025
Houston starter rookie Ryan Gusto (7-4) yielded four hits and a run in six innings to bounce back after giving up a season-high eight runs in a loss to the Athletics on Friday night.
There were two on with two outs in the second when Altuve smacked a changeup from MacKenzie Gore (4-11) into the Crawford Boxes to put the Astros on top 4-1.
Mauricio Dubón singled with one out in the sixth and Hummel made it 6-1 and chased Gore with his third homer of the season.
Washington interim manager Miguel Cairo was ejected following Hummel’s home run after having words with home plate umpire Ryan Additon.
Zack Short walked after that and Altuve collected his third single before Diaz pushed the lead to 9-1 with his home run to left-center.
Gore allowed eight hits and six runs in 5 1/3 innings.
The Astros have combined for 16 runs in the last two games to get their offense going after managing just eight total runs during their five-game skid.
Key moment
Altuve’s home run that gave Houston the lead.
Key stat
Altuve’s home run was the 727th extra-base hit of his career, moving him into a tie with Lance Berkman for third-most in franchise history. They trail Hall of Famers Craig Biggio (1,014) and Jeff Bagwell (969).
Up next
Both teams are off Thursday before Washington hosts Milwaukee on Friday night and Houston opens a series at Boston.
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