Next week, the Houston Texans will sift through hundreds of free agent football players, trying to fortify the veteran core of their roster with however many they decide to sign (or re-sign, in the case of their own players from 2024).

In NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein's latest mock draft, he sees the Texans doing just that. He predicts Houston to trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move up to the 16th pick, selecting Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. to help iron out their protection up front.

After winning consecutive AFC South titles with 10-7 records, the Houston Texans are set up well for their future. However, if they are going to take the next step and progress further than the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs,