2026 NFL draft: Texans land four picks in the top 70 after 2025 trades

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While the Houston Texans' sights are on winning their first Super Bowl title, it's never too early to look at the NFL draft.

The good news? Houston will be picking early thanks to picking late last April.

Thanks to a pair of trades in Rounds 1 & 2, the Texans will hold four of the top 70 picks in April's draft. On top of owning its own first and third-round picks, Houston will also claim the second-round pick of the Washington Commanders and the third-round pick of the New York Giants.

When the Texans elected to trade Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders last offseason, the plan was to recoup at least one top 60 selection. They netted a third-round pick in 2025, which they used to take receiver Jaylin Noel, along with a second- and fourth-round pick in 2026.

The Commanders, who struggled to find similar success behind No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, went 5-12 this year and will pick seventh overall in the first round. But because of the Tunsil trade, their second-round pick, No. 38 overall, belongs to Houston.

On draft night, Houston once again traded out of the first round for more draft capital, sending the No. 25 overall pick to the Giants. That selection was used on potential franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. In exchange for a second Day 1 selection, the Giants sent Houston for a second- and third-round pick in the same draft, along with a 2026 third-rounder. The second-round pick was used on Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins, while the third-round pick was shipped off on Day 3 for Houston to land USC running back Woody Marks.

While the Giants still have faith in Dart, they finished the season 4-13, netting them the No. 5 overall pick in April. As for that third-round pick that belongs to Houston? That's going to be No. 69 overall.

Since the Texans are still in the playoffs, they don't know when they'll be on the clock in Rounds 1 & 2. But with two picks already secured, it leaves flexibility for trades up or down when selecting in Pittsburgh come April.

Over the last three drafts, general manager Nick Caserio has walked away with at least two starters and one high-end contributor per draft with his first four picks, including names like C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock, Tank Dell, Aireontae Ersery, Christian Harris, Noel and Higgins.

Expect more of the same for 2026.

The Texans kick off against the Steelers on Monday Night Football this next week at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Texans land four picks in the top 70 after 2025 trades

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