DRAFT SZN
Draft insider explains why Houston Texans could gamble on polarizing prospect
Apr 22, 2025, 2:50 pm
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!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.