The Houston Texans might not have linebacker as their top priority in the early rounds of the draft, but make no mistake—bolstering depth at the position is a key focus this offseason. While the starting trio of Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To'oTo'o, and Christian Harris is set to return, the talent pool beyond them is thin. A strong, versatile addition could provide the Texans with much-needed insurance in case of injuries or performance drops.
One intriguing name that has surfaced in discussions is Notre Dame standout Jack Kiser. He recently confirmed during his media session at the NFL Combine that he met with Houston earlier in the week—a clear indication that the Texans are at least exploring their options at the position. Kiser has been steadily climbing mock draft boards, and with good reason. Last season, he was a key anchor on Notre Dame’s defense, posting a career-high 90 tackles, five tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and two sacks. His ability to play in multiple schemes and his high football IQ make him a fascinating prospect to watch.
With free agency looming, Houston's linebacker room is facing some uncertainty. As of now, the only linebacker under contract beyond the current starters is Jamal Hill. While Neville Hewitt is expected to return on a one-year deal, his role has primarily been as a backup rather than a consistent playmaker. That leaves the Texans with a pressing need to add competition and depth, especially if they aim to maintain a strong defensive presence next season.
If the Texans decide to target a linebacker in the draft, the sweet spot might be early Day 3, where a promising yet developmental player like Kiser could still be available. Houston will also have to weigh future roster decisions—Christian Harris, who missed most of last season due to a calf injury, is set to become a free agent in 2026. That means the Texans must start thinking ahead about who will step up if Harris isn't in their long-term plans. Another factor to consider is Al-Shaair’s contract; the team could explore restructuring his deal or even parting ways with him to free up valuable cap space.
Kiser may not be a finished product, but he has the traits and instincts to develop into a solid contributor at the next level. If he slips outside the top 100 picks, Houston might have an excellent opportunity to snag a high-upside prospect without using premium draft capital. Finding young, hungry talent at a reasonable value is always a win, and Kiser fits the bill as someone who could learn behind the established starters before stepping into a larger role down the line.
For the Texans, the linebacker position isn’t about making a flashy move—it’s about securing depth and planning for the future. Whether they make a move in free agency or the draft, expect Houston to be strategic in how they approach this need. And with a prospect like Kiser in their sights, they might just find the perfect piece to bolster their defense for years to come.
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