Yahoo Sports Mel Kiper Jr. has the Texans taking Laremy Tunsil's heir at No. 25 in new mock draft

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Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said at the combine last month that the two-time defending AFC South champions would be rehauling its offensive line this offseason. So far, he and Nick Caserio have been men of their word.

The Texans should have up to four new starters on the offensive line come Week 1 after trading Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for do-it-all defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, along with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for four draft picks. They also released Shaq Mason and signed Laken Tomlinson, Trent Brown and Cam Robinson to one-year deals.

Draft analysts seem to think there’s a decent chance Houston's not done addressing the offensive line, especially the tackle spot at pick No. 25. Ohio State's Josh Simmons and Texas' Kelvin Banks have often been mocked to the location, pushing the need for interior offensive line and wide receiver down the road.

Recently, a new name has become a favorite to land in H-Town on Thursday night. In Mel Kiper Jr.’s new mock draft for ESPN, he has the Texans taking Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. as Tunsil's heir and a long-term option on the left side.

"The pass protection really hurt C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense last season. He was sacked 52 times. The Texans began an overhaul of the offensive line this offseason -- including trading away left tackle Laremy Tunsil, the unit's one sure thing," Kiper wrote. "They can't risk wasting another year of Stroud's rookie contract by forcing him to constantly fend for himself against opponent pass rushes. Houston signed Cam Robinson and Trent Brown, but it shouldn't be satisfied. Conerly is consistent, allowing just two sacks over his college career. He'd help keep Stroud clean in the pocket."

Kiper's point regarding the offensive tackle goes without saying since Robinson is only a stop-gap option. His inconsistencies in pass protection were on display following a trade to Minnesota as he allowed a league-high nine sacks from Weeks 11-17. Conerly, meanwhile, started two seasons for the Ducks and only allowed nine pressures in over 1,900 career pass-blocking snaps.

Josh Conerly Jr is one of the best pass protectors in this draft.

Held Abdul Carter to zero pressures during their matchup. Sound athlete with coordinated hands. pic.twitter.com/QRt01EENhe

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 14, 2025

Drafting an offensive tackle like Conerly would set the Texans up for the future, allowing him to learn under Cole Popovich and master his craft before entering the starting lineup. Should he impress during training camp, perhaps he follows the same mold as Tunsil, suiting up at guard for a season while learning how to adapt to NFL speed before shifting outside.

While addressing the offensive line should be the top priority, adding a wide receiver could benefit the offense's trajectory on Day 2. Kiper has the Texans finding a long-term slot option with Iowa State Jaylin Noel coming off the board at pick No. 58.

"Noel is an extremely reliable slot target with good hands, elusiveness after the catch and acceleration out of his breaks," Kiper wrote. "The former high school sprinter ran a 4.39-second 40 at the combine and posted some impressive jumps: 41½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-2 in the broad. Noel also produced last season, with 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight TDs. Houston lost Stefon Diggs to the Patriots, and Tank Dell's availability is uncertain for 2025 after his December knee injury. This pick could pay off immediately."

The Texans own seven picks in the upcoming draft, including four in the top 100.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL Draft: Texans add OT Josh Conerly Jr. in Mel Kiper Jr.'s mock

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