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!
Taylor Walls hit a game-ending sacrifice fly and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Tuesday night.
The Rays trailed 2-0 until Jonathan Aranda's two-run single in the eighth inning tied the score.
Christian Morel then led off the ninth with a walk against Kaleb Ort (1-1) and advanced to third on pinch-hitter Brandon Lowe's double to left-center. After Josh Lowe popped out, Walls hit a fly ball to drive in Morel to give the Rays their 12th win in 30 games at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home this season.
Manuel Rodriguez (1-2) pitched a scoreless ninth to get the win.
Astros left-hander Brandon Walter, making his first major league start, pitched five strong innings in his Houston debut.
Jake keeps raking!!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/pEZCtLHHjQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 20, 2025
Jake Meyers hit an RBI double in the second for the Astros, and Isaac Paredes had a solo homer in the third against his former team to make it 2-0.
Paredes with a solo shot!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/POW8Pj6wgZ
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 20, 2025
Rays starter Zach Littell allowed two runs and seven hits in five innings. He struck out six.
Key moment
With the Rays trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the eighth, with one out and runners on first and second, Kameron Misner and Jose Caballero pulled off a double steal to set up Aranda's tying single to right field.
Key stat
Starting for the first time after making nine relief appearances for Bostohn in 2023, Walter gave up three hits and struck out five.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (6–2, 1.43 ERA) goes against Rays RHP Taj Bradley (3–3, 4.80 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday.
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