Texans And Lions Seem To Have Their Guys Picked Out For The 2025 NFL Draft

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks up at the scoreboard after a play against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024

The NFL Draft isn’t just about the flashy skill position players; it’s also about building a strong foundation. In this mock draft, the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions make smart, practical moves to improve their teams from the inside out.

The Texans, who struggled mightily on the offensive line last season, address their weakness by drafting Senior Bowl standout Grey Zabel. Zabel’s versatility is a huge asset. His ability to play both guard and center, along with his experience at tackle, gives the Texans flexibility and depth along the offensive line. He’s a tough, physical player who should help improve both their running game and pass protection. Protecting C.J. Stroud is paramount for the Texans’ success, and drafting Zabel is a step in the right direction. It shows a commitment to building a solid offensive line, which is crucial for any young quarterback’s development.

The Detroit Lions, after a promising season, are looking to solidify their defense. They already have a star edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, and now they’re adding another force to their defensive line in Donovan Ezeiruaku. Ezeiruaku is a high-motor player who can win in a variety of ways. His strength and ability to bend around offensive tackles make him a disruptive presence in the