What should the Houston Texans do with the No. 25 pick in April's NFL draft?
Some say interior offensive lineman is the move, while others argue defensive tackle. Then, there's the crowd that believes raising the bar at wide receiver is inexcusable if the right player is within reach.
The Texans could trade back to shore up their draft compensation but in the latest mock draft from The 33rd Team, they stand pat and elevate the offense by selecting C.J. Stroud's former Ohio State teammate and All-Big Ten wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
"Tank Dell's status is a major unknown, and Stefon Diggs is on an expiring contract while coming off a season-ending injury," The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs wrote. "What was supposed to be a major strength got turned upside down by the end of the year. Egbuka's prior chemistry with Stroud makes this a perfect fit for impact play."
During Stroud's final season in Columbus, Egbuka served as the No. 2 weapon behind future first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. The duo connected for 74 catches and a career-best 1,151 to match his 10 touchdown receptions en route to a College Football Playoff appearance.
After being limited to 10 games in 2023, Egubka elected to return for his senior season. The decision proved wise as he notched a second 1,000-yard campaign, serving once more as the No. 2 weapon behind Jeremiah Smith en route to a national championship.
Scouts view the 6-foot Washington native as a slot receiver at the next level. With smooth hands, an above-average route tree and toughness to take on hit, Egbuka could be a Day 1 starter in most offenses.
"The Shanahan scheme and all of its branches across the league will likely find ample value in Egbuka's game on targets that attack the middle of the field," Crabbs wrote.
If Diggs were to walk in free agency, Egubka should be considered a front-runner to land in Houston. While Bobby Slowik, a disciple of the Shanahan background, was fired this offseason, new offensive coordinator Nick Caley runs similar concepts that should allow Egbuka to thrive inside.