Texans select Florida All-American OL Jake Slaughter in 2026 mock draft
Texans select Florida All-American OL Jake Slaughter in 2026 mock draft
It's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. For the Houston Texans, they'll continue to look to build around their offensive line.
In the latest 2026 mock draft from Pro Football Focus, Houston adds yet another lineman to protect C.J. Stroud, entering what could be the final year of his rookie contract. After making the playoffs for a third straight time, PFF has the Texans missing the divisional round and selecting 20th overall.
With the pick, Houston bolsters its interior by adding Florida All-American center Jake Slaughter as the next great run blocker for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon and newcomer Woody Marks.
"The best center in college football gets matched with the team most desperate for interior offensive line help," PFF wrote. "Slaughter ranked second in the Power Four with an 82.1 PFF overall grade, despite facing a gauntlet schedule that included Miami, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas and Ole Miss. He was the only qualified Power Four center who earned an 80.0-plus PFF grade as a run blocker and as a pass protector in 2024."
Slaughter started the last 23 games at Florida and has been the definition of consistency. Not only have the Gators been a top-five team in rushing among SEC contenders, but they've also allowed the fourth-fewest sacks. Slaughter, who has over 1,400 reps, has allowed one sack during that span.
The Texans have hope that second-round pick Aireontae Ersery can be the stable left tackle replacement for Laremy Tunsil beginning in 2025. At right tackle, 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher will have a crack at locking down the position for 2025 as Tytus Howard shifts inside to guard.
But the center position remains a mystery. Juice Scruggs struggled to maintain consistency in pass protection, thus leading to Jarrett Patterson taking over. He's slightly better defending defensive tackles, but there's a weak point to his game when it comes to winning upfield in one-on-one battles.
The Texans might have some pieces in the protection department, but they need stability on the interior. Slaughter, who remains the nation's top center and is the favorite to win the Rimmington Trophy, could be the answer beginning next fall.
Of course, Texans fans hope to select the All-American with the No. 32 pick rather than the No. 20 pick for obvious reasons.
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