New Texans NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

The Houston Texans have started to establish themselves as one of the better drafting teams in the NFL.

Their stellar defense is filled with homegrown talent. Although the offense is extremely inconsistent, it possesses several exciting young players.

Houston aims to continue growing its impressive young group to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Texans will do with the No. 28 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 28): DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

A common theme will present itself for Houston through the majority of this projection: The organization builds on a strength, which can be found on the defensive side of the ball.

Ohio State's Kayden McDonald grades as the B/R Scouting Department's top-ranked nose tackle. He's the type of presence in the middle of a defensive line who can make life even more miserable on opponents.

"This pick is made primarily with the future in mind, since Tommy Togiai is about to enter a contract year and Sheldon Rankins inked a two-year deal after turning 32," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "The Texans' defensive line is already excellent but McDonald gives Houston a long-term solution along the interior, while simultaneously allowing head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke to incorporate more odd fronts with the Ohio State product at nose tackle."

---

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/18)

Selection (No. 28): DT Christen Miller, Georgia

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 28): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 28): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 28): LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 28): G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 28): G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 28): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Summary

A contender with few glaring needs tends to focus on becoming more formidable in the trenches. The idea of a top interior tackle prospect joining the Texans' ferocious defensive line has to be terrifying for the league. For all their defensive dominance, the offensive line remains a work in progress. It wouldn't be surprising to see Houston select an offensive lineman like Bisontis or Lomu.