Some don't need explanation and some might jog some good feelings when you see their names
The 11 best draft picks in Texans history
Apr 24, 2019, 6:56 am
Some don't need explanation and some might jog some good feelings when you see their names
If you missed the 11 worst and feel like a glutton for punishment those can be found here.
These days Chester Pitts might be seen on your TV or shaking hands to curry favor for his inevitable mayoral campaign but before all that he was one of the Texans earliest picks. He's also one of the more successful ones too. He still holds the Texans record for consecutive starts checking in at 114 straight.
This doesn't need much explanation.
The best pick of the 2006 draft for the Texans. Ryans was a steadying force in the middle of the Texans defense for years. He's the Texans all-time leader in solo tackles and second all-time in franchise history in total tackles. Plus, he punked Jeremy Shockey not once, but twice in a Texans uniform so that's a thumbs up in my book.
I almost went with Eric Winston but I figured the tight end spot was more important than the right tackle spot. Daniels is third all-time in team history in receiving yards and touchdowns. He was one of the most important players on some of the best Texans teams and caught some of the biggest touchdowns in team history. All that for a fourth round pick is pretty darn good.
Duane Brown is probably the best offensive lineman to ever play for the Texans. He held down the left tackle spot for the team from almost the day he arrived. The ending was messy but the time he was here the Texans consistently had one of the better players at the left tackle spot. He was an anchor for the best seasons in Texans history.
Brian Cushing wasn't who I wanted or thought the Texans should take in 2009. I was hoping for Jeremy Maclin to pair with Andre Johnson. Cushing ended up being the right pick for the Texans. He played well alongside DeMeco Ryans and took over when Ryans departed for Philidelphia. He was the 2009 Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Pro (2nd team). He is the franchise leader in tackles.
The Texans almost traded up for Patrick Peterson. They wanted Aldon Smith. Thanks in large part to Wade Phillips they drafted one of the most dominant defensive players ever. Enough said.
He's the second-best pass rusher in team history. He is also an example of a guy blossoming a few years into his career as he got a second contract and paid it off with huge years 2015 and 2016.
He's the best offensive player in team history.
Sure, it cost a lot to move up and make it happen but the Texans finally secured what looks to be a dynamic and incredible quarterback. He's got so much room to improve too. It's scary how good he can be.
I am prepared to defend this one but also take criticism for this selection as well. There are a lot of arguments for this final slot including Reid's 2018 teammate Andre Hal as well as D.J. Reader and even former Texans lineman Brandon Brooks. Reid put together one of the best seasons for a rookie the team has seen and he did it all with first round expectations despite being a third round selection.
To say the Houston Texans have been busy this week would be a colossal understatement. The team agreed to a massive contract extension with All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr, restructured lineman Tytus Howard's contract, and signed free agent left tackle Cam Robinson to a one-year deal.
The #Texans and Danielle Hunter have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension that makes him the NFL’s second-highest paid defensive end, per sources.
Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two… pic.twitter.com/SR0UbySLse
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025
Texans GM Nick Caserio is definitely earning his paycheck this week, as there is now another extension to discuss. According to multiple reports, pass rusher Danielle Hunter has agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million extension.
Tom Pelissero is reporting in the post above that “Hunter will make $32M this season — a $12.5M raise — and $55.1M ($54.1M fully guaranteed) over the next two seasons.”
Good work if you can get it.
The Texans are making a strong push to equip QB C.J. Stroud with top talent over the next two years. This is the ideal window to invest before they face a hefty commitment to his second contract.
With fewer pressing needs, Houston can now approach the draft with flexibility, prioritizing the best players available.