The Houston Texans find themselves on a downward trajectory in the latest NFL power rankings as they head into the 2025 season. After a strong finish in 2024, winning the AFC South and ranking in the top ten, the Texans have slipped to the middle of the pack due to questionable offseason moves. The decision to trade away Laremy Tunsil, a pivotal figure in their offensive line, has raised concerns about the protection for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was already under duress last season with 52 sacks. Despite these setbacks, the Texans have bolstered their defense with the acquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, which could position them as frontrunners in the weaker AFC South.

In the latest rankings, they are positioned 16th by Pro Football Focus, 14th by NFL.com, and even down to 18th by USA Today. NFL analysts express skepticism about the team's ability to compete with the stronger AFC teams, especially with ongoing questions around the offensive line and the effectiveness of their receiving corps following the injury to Tank Dell. However, there are still bright spots, particularly in their defensive capabilities, which could help them stay in contention.

Every NFL Draft features overlooked prospects, and the 2025 class is no exception. By recognizing past scouting biases, we can identify potential sleepers who could exceed expectations. Among the most underrated wide receivers are Tez Johnson, Tre Harris, and Jayden Higgins, each displaying unique skills that merit attention. Johnson brings speed and route-running proficiency reminiscent of Tank Dell, while Harris excels in man coverage, making him a standout. Higgins, with his impressive size and hands, rounds out this trio, all of whom could be valuable assets in fantasy leagues.

Tez Johnson stands out with exceptional quickness and route-running skills, though his size (155 lbs) may be a concern. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch makes him a noteworthy sleeper, despite being ranked as the WR13 currently. Tre Harris, on the other hand, is lauded for his route-running prowess, which has led to projections of him being a potential WR1 in this class. Finally, Jayden Higgins, while less seasoned, shows promise as a physical receiver with great separation skills, making him a sleeper worth considering.

Tank Dell expresses his joy over Derek Stingley Jr.'s lucrative contract extension with the Houston Texans, which secures him through 2029. Stingley's three-year, $90 million deal makes him the highest-paid cornerback, reflecting his stellar performance, including five interceptions last season. Dell, recovering from surgeries, celebrated Stingley's achievement on social media, emphasizing his teammate's deserving success. The Texans' commitment to Stingley suggests confidence in his durability and skill, setting a high bar for future negotiations.

The Houston Texans have made significant moves in the offseason, securing wide receiver Justin Watson on a one-year deal, marking their third receiver acquisition in just a week. Alongside Watson, they also signed Braxton Berrios and traded for Christian Kirk, bringing in much-needed depth as Stefon Diggs, Robert Woods, and Tank Dell are currently unavailable. Watson, a three-time Super Bowl champion, brings valuable experience and versatility to the Texans' roster, which now features eight receivers.

At 6'2" and 215 pounds, Watson's combination of size and intelligence sets him apart. His success in the slot and ability to play both inside and outside will be instrumental as the Texans aim for a productive offense. This influx of talent could provide Houston with the dynamic receiving corps it has lacked, especially with Watson's championship pedigree and background as a finance graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Houston Texans have made a strategic move this offseason by acquiring veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This trade comes as the Texans look to fill the gap left by expected departures in free agency, particularly with the anticipated absence of Tank Dell due to a significant knee injury. In exchange for Kirk, the Texans have given up a seventh-round pick in 2026, alongside taking over his existing contract worth $16.5 million for the 2025 season.

This acquisition is part of a larger strategy for the Texans, who are actively seeking to bolster their receiving corps. While Kirk had a standout season with 1,108 receiving yards in 2022, his performance in 2024 was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just eight games and 379 yards. Nevertheless, the Texans hope Kirk can complement Nico Collins effectively, as they aim to improve their offensive production moving forward.