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We are just over an hour away from the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, football fans.
As we get closer to the start time, rumors are swirling about potential trades as teams could be looking to ensure they land their favorite prospect. The Houston Texans are one team that is reportedly trying to move up in the draft order.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini is reporting that the Texans and Denver Broncos are the teams tryiing hard to move up. The Texans are currently slated to have the No. 25 pick.
Russin isn't the only one reporting the Texans' interest in moving up. Yesterday, The Ringer's Todd McShay reported hearing the same thing, saying the team was "aggressively" trying to move up in the first round.
Who is it that the Texans are so interested in? Let's try and identify who it could be that has the Texans wanting to move.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas
Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the top offensive linemen in this class. The Texans certainly need to add to the offensive line after trading Laremy Tunsil this offseason, so Banks would make sense.
The massive lineman starred for the in-state Texas Longhorns in college, playing all his snaps at left tackle. Banks has the arm length and strength teams want in a tackle, and the Texas product could be a Tunsil replacement.
There are several offensive line-needy teams ahead of the Texans, though. The New York Jets at No. 7, Chicago Bears at No. 10, San Francisco 49ers at No. 11, Miami Dolphins at No. 13, and Seattle Seahakws at No. 18 are just some of the teams the Texans could be looking to jump.
Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The Texans could be interested in another offensive lineman than Banks. Grey Zabel is another talented blocker who could pique the team's interest.
Zabel excelled at tackle for North Dakota State in college and has the tools to be a versatile starting lineman capable of playing guard or tackle. The same teams that are interested in Banks could also be interested in Zabel.
It may be risky to trade up for an FCS offensive lineman, but Zabel is good enough to immediately improve this offensive line.
Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
What if the Texans want a true guard instead of a tackle? Tyler Booker has been mocked as high as pick No. 10 and is among the best guards in this class.
If Booker is availabe in the teens, the Texans could get nervous that the Dolphins or Seahawks will select him. Trading up would ensure the team gets a massive, phsyical blocker to slot in at guard.
It may not be the sexiest move to trade up for a guard, but Booker really is that good. The Texans desperately need to make life easier for C.J. Stroud, and Booker could make that happen.
