Houston Texans' Best Draft Picks Ever

0:00Stacker just dropped the ranking of the Houston Texans' best draft picks ever based on career-weighted approximate value, or WAVE from Proflipal Reference. This metric measures the player's total impact. Coming in at number one is JJ Wat, picked 11th overall in the first round back in 2011. His AWAV sits at 1-10, with 5 Pro Bulls, 5 first team-all Pro Nads, and 10 years as a starter over 151 games. Number two goes to wide receiver Andre Johnson, snagged 3rd overall in 2003. He racked up at 94 WAVE, 7 Pro Bulls, 2 first team-all Pro's, and 12 starting seasons across 193 games. Right behind him in number three is Tackle Dwayne Brown from the 20 AWA draft, 26 overall, with a 91 WAVE, 5 Pro Bulls, and 15 years starting in 220 games. DeAndre Hopkins lands 4th, a first round steal at 27th and 2013, boasting in 84 WAVE, 5 Pro Bulls, 3 first team-all Pro's, and 10 starting years in 195 games.

1:07Mario Williams rounds out the top five. The number one pick in 2006, with a 79 WAVE, 4 Pro Bulls, and 9 seasons as a starter. Lower down, you got ties at number seven with the Meckle Rines, Ben Jones, and Deshaun Watson, all at 58 WAVE, plus standouts like Jedebian, Clowny at 6. These picks highlight the Texans' knack for finding defensive beasts and steady linemen who stuck around. This list, current as of April 2026, shows how a few gems shape the franchise, even if some bounce to other teams later. Solid drafting keeps building winners. Dallas News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.