Draft insider explains why Houston Texans could gamble on polarizing prospect
DRAFT SZN
22 April
The Texans have the 25th overall selection. Composite image by Jack Brame.
The NFL Draft is coming up fast — Thursday, April 24th — and the Houston Texans are in a key position to add serious talent around CJ Stroud.
We’re joined by NFL insider Lance Zierlein, who shares exclusive insight on a few top prospects the Texans could target. With protection for Stroud being a top priority, we ask: Can any of these draft picks become foundational pieces on the offensive line?
Plus, upon rewatching Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons' film recently, Zierlein was reminded that Simmons is the best tackle in this draft. But he's coming off a patellar tendon injury, and LZ has heard conflicting reports about character concerns. Would the Texans take a chance on upside over a safer player with SWARM mentality?
We also hear directly from DeMeco Ryans about the Texans’ draft mindset — do they truly need these players, or are they looking to build something long-term?
Can the Texans find the right lineman to anchor the trenches? Are they drafting to protect CJ — or just adding depth?
Names to watch: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., OG Tyler Booker, OT Josh Simmons, OG Donovan Jackson.
Or, could the Texans shock everyone and draft a receiver in Round 1?
Don't miss the video below to hear the full discussion!
How latest Yordan Alvarez news provides clarity on multiple levels for Astros
May 7, 2025, 12:25 pm
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez has a strained muscle at the top of his right hand, a diagnosis that instills optimism he won’t have a prolonged stay on the injured list.
The three-time All-Star went on the 10-day injured list Monday, retroactive to Saturday, and returned to Houston for an MRI that revealed the muscle strain.
“We look at it as good news,” Astros manager Joe Espada said before their Wednesday afternoon game with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Espada expressed hope that Alvarez wouldn’t have to stay on the injured list longer than the required 10 days. He also said the hand issue may have played a role in Alvarez’s slow start.
Alvarez, 27, is hitting .210 with a .306 on-base percentage, three homers and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season. He batted .308 with a .392 on-base percentage, 35 homers and 86 RBIs in 147 games last year while ranking ninth in the AL Most Valuable Player balloting.
He has posted an OPS of at least .959 and has finished 13th or higher in the MVP voting each of the last three seasons.
“Once he heals, once he gets back, I think we’ll see a more aggressive at bat and be not as cautious,” Espada said. “I think it had something to do with it, yes.”
His potential return could go a long way toward boosting an Astros lineup that hasn’t been as productive as usual this season. The Astros entered Wednesday’s action ranked 21st in the majors in runs (136) and 23rd in OPS (.676). Houston has ranked 11th or better in both those categories each of the last four seasons.
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