The Houston Texans boast a relatively sparse history of first-round picks in the NFL Draft, but they’re also the NFL’s youngest franchise. Having been inaugurated in 2002, Houston has only taken part in 22 draft events as of the 2023 NFL Draft. Houston’s history is still very much being written, but already, they’ve had some impressive picks.
Houston Texans First-Round Draft Picks Throughout History
As of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans haven’t yet acquired an inducted Hall of Famer with a first-round pick. It’s important to note, however, that Houston’s sample size is much smaller than that of other teams. The Texans have only been around since 2002, and first-round picks like Andre Johnson, J.J. Watt, and DeAndre Hopkins might see Canton in the future.
Thus, while the Texans’ lack of Hall of Famers in Round 1 invites doubt on the surface, it’s not an accurate indicator of the success Houston has had within the first 32 picks. Beyond Johnson, Watt, and Hopkins — all of whom are legitimate eventual candidates for the Hall — the Texans have also selected Pro Bowl and All-Pro talents like Mario Williams, Duane Brown, and Brian Cushing.
2024
The Texans traded the No. 27 pick to the Arizona Cardinals. Houston also traded the No. 23 pick (via the Cleveland Browns) to the Minnesota Vikings.
2023
- C.J. Stroud | Round 1, Pick 2
QB, Ohio State
- Will Anderson Jr. | Round 1, Pick 3
EDGE, Alabama
2022
- Derek Stingley Jr. | Round 1, Pick 3
CB, LSU
- Kenyon Green | Round 1, Pick 15
OL, Texas A&M
2021
The Texans traded the third pick to the Miami Dolphins.
2020
The Texans traded the 26th pick to the Miami Dolphins.
2019
- Tytus Howard | Pick 23
T, Alabama State
2018
The Texans traded the fourth pick to the Cleveland Browns.
2017
- Deshaun Watson | Pick 12
QB, Clemson
2016
- Will Fuller | Pick 21
WR, Notre Dame
2015
- Kevin Johnson | Pick 16
CB, Wake Forest
2014
- Jadeveon Clowney | Pick 1
DE, South Carolina
2013
- DeAndre Hopkins | Pick 27
WR, Clemson
2012
- Whitney Mercilus | Pick 26
DE, Illinois
2011
- J.J. Watt | Pick 11
DE, Wisconsin
2010
- Kareem Jackson | Pick 20
DB, Alabama
2009
- Brian Cushing | Pick 15
LB, USC
2008
- Duane Brown | Pick 26
T, Virginia Tech
2007
- Amobi Okoye | Pick 10
DT, Louisville
2006
- Mario Williams | Pick 1
DE, North Carolina State
2005
- Travis Johnson | Pick 16
DT, Florida State
2004
- Dunta Robinson | Pick 10
DB, South Carolina - Jason Babin | Pick 27
LB, Western Michigan
2003
- Andre Johnson | Pick 3
WR, Miami (FL)
2002
- David Carr | Pick 1
QB, Fresno State
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