The Houston Texans’ defense was as dominant as any unit during its stretch run last season, but the offense struggled to keep up when the moment became too big. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, Houston is projected to land a top receiving prospect to help its offense get back on track.
Houston Texans Projected to Select Skyler Bell in 2026 NFL Draft
On Saturday afternoon, PFSN’s Ian Cummings released a 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft outlining all 257 selections for this spring. Notably, the Texans control three selections in the top 60. With No. 59, Cummings predicts the organization to draft Skyler Bell, a 24-TD wide receiver out of UConn.
Cummings wrote, “Past Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, the Texans quietly lack guarantees at WR. Skyler Bell can insert right away as a high-level movement-Z with true three-level appeal.”
Aside from Collins and Higgins, the Texans’ current WR group includes Tank Dell, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and Justin Watson. While Dell impressed as a rookie in 2023, he has suffered two serious injuries, and it’s unclear whether he will return to form in 2026.
Noel has shown some flashes after being drafted 79th overall just one year ago. The Iowa State product appeared in all 17 games for the Texans in 2025, posting a 75.8 WR Impact Score and placing 43rd among all pass-catchers, according to PFSN’s metrics.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson and Watson profile more as depth pieces, often earning larger roles when an injury occurs. The team lost veteran wideout Christian Kirk this offseason, as he signed a one-year deal with San Francisco this March.
Although Houston has solid depth at the position, it doesn’t hurt to add more firepower to the group. In his final season at UConn, Bell hauled in 101 receptions for 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. The 23-year-old earned AP All-American honors and was named a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award.
According to PFSN NFL Draft HQ, Bell has an 84.95 draft grade, ranking eighth among WRs and 53rd overall. The site describes him as “one of the most complete three-level threat frameworks in the 2026 class. He’s explosive and energized as a mover, with a full route tree, vertical splicing, steely ball tracking, and dynamic RAC chops.”
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
“He’ll be an older rookie, but he compensates by posing as an immediate starter with inside-outside versatility,” PFSN added.
Between Collins, Bell, an exceptional defense, and a potentially much-improved C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans should undoubtedly find themselves back in the mix heading into 2026.
