Note: This ranking excludes Keylan Rutledge, the Texans’ 2026 first-round pick. Below is a ranked look at Houston’s last 10 first-round selections, from most impactful to least impactful.
1) DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson — 2013 NFL Draft
Hopkins stands as the most impactful first-round pick in the Texans’ recent history. Drafted 27th overall in 2013, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers thanks to elite hands and exceptional body control. In seven seasons with Houston, Hopkins compiled 632 receptions for 8,602 yards and 54 touchdowns, earned five Pro Bowl selections, and earned three First-Team All-Pro honors. He led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2017 and remained a standout playmaker throughout his Texans tenure. Although traded in his prime, Hopkins remains a foundational figure in franchise history.
2) Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama — 2023 NFL Draft
Houston made a bold move to ascend and secure Will Anderson Jr., and the return has paid dividends. After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Anderson quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, combining explosiveness with power off the edge. Over three seasons, he has tallied about 30 sacks, 136 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, and 64 quarterback hits. His leadership has anchored Houston’s defense, helping drive the team’s competitive identity and signaling a potential lasting legacy as one of the franchise’s great defenders.
3) Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU — 2022 NFL Draft
Stingley has overcome early college injuries to become a standout defensive back in the pros. Since arriving in Houston, he has developed into a shutdown corner, delivering a steady stream of impactful plays. In four seasons, Stingley has recorded double-digit interceptions and a high number of passes defensed, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition at times. His instincts, ball skills, and turnover-generating ability have substantially strengthened Houston’s secondary and complemented Anderson’s impact on the front.
4) Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson — 2017 NFL Draft
Watson’s time in Houston showcased what a franchise quarterback can do, including multiple playoff appearances and big late-game performances. Over four seasons with the Texans, he threw for over 14,500 yards and 104 touchdowns, while adding notable rushing production. He led Houston to AFC South titles and achieved playoff success, including a memorable comeback win in the 2019 postseason. However, off-field issues and subsequent departures have colored his legacy, tempering the on-field legacy with controversy.
5) Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, South Carolina — 2014 NFL Draft
Clowney entered the league with immense hype and promptly became a disruptive force on defense. While his sack totals didn’t always meet the extraordinary expectations, his ability to pressure the passer and anchor the run game contributed meaningfully to Houston’s early defensive success. Over five seasons, he posted solid tackle numbers and forced plays that helped shape the Texans’ defensive identity. His combination of athleticism and versatility solidifies his place among the top first-round picks in franchise history.
6) C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State — 2023 NFL Draft
Stroud made an immediate impact, delivering one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback in franchise history: over 4,100 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions, plus an AFC South title and a playoff appearance. While his sophomore year presented challenges, Stroud has shown the talent and poise that suggest he can be the franchise quarterback for Houston. The long-term effects of his development will shape the team’s fortunes for years to come.
7) Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State — 2019 NFL Draft
Howard surprised many by going 23rd overall and developing into a reliable, versatile offensive lineman. He started more than 90 games over seven seasons, contributing stability to Houston’s offense by playing multiple line positions. Although he later moved on in a trade, his durability and flexibility provided value during his tenure with the Texans.
8) Will Fuller V, WR, Notre Dame — 2016 NFL Draft
Fuller was drafted for speed, and he delivered as a dynamic deep threat when healthy, forging a notable connection with Deshaun Watson. Over five seasons, Fuller accumulated over 3,100 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, with a peak season of 879 yards in 2020. Injuries and suspensions limited his availability, but when on the field, he demonstrated why he was valued as a first-round pick.
9) Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest — 2015 NFL Draft
Johnson arrived with the athleticism and instincts needed to become Houston’s future shutdown corner. Early flashes suggested promise, but injuries and inconsistency limited his development. In four seasons, he appeared in 35 games, recording 128 tackles, one interception, and 14 passes defended. While he contributed when healthy, he did not reach the expected impact for a top-16 selection.
10) Kenyon Green, G, Texas A&M — 2022 NFL Draft
Houston selected Green with the 15th overall pick, hoping he would anchor the interior of the line for years. After a strong college career and noted versatility, Green faced a slow start in the NFL, missing the 2023 season due to injury and failing to secure a long-term starring role upon return. His development did not meet the expectations for a mid-first-round interior lineman, making him the last entry on this list of top 10 first-round picks.
Overall, Houston’s first-round history reflects a balance between identifying elite talents who became franchise cornerstones (Hopkins, Stroud, Anderson, Stingley) and selecting players who didn’t meet early expectations (Green). The current core around Stroud, Anderson, and Stingley signals a bright future, with the Texans continuing to build around a young, high-upside foundation.
