Dexter Lawrence named top trade target for Texans ahead of NFL draft

Could the Houston Texans go all-in on New York Giants All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence before the NFL draft to give their defense a perhaps legendary-like persona? One publication isn't ruling out the possibility with just over 10 days remaining before Thursday's Round 1 rolls around. Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports recently revealed one player every team should trade for ahead of the draft rather than using an early Day 1 or Day 2 pick.

For the Texans, he chose Lawrence, largely because Houston needs stability at its interior defensive line spot. In net return for the Giants? A 2026 first-round pick (No.

28) and the lower of the team's two second-round picks (No. 59) "The 28-year-old Lawrence wants out of New York as well as a new contract, but his leverage is low after a lackluster season in 2025," Vacchiano wrote . "He’s only one year removed from a nine-sack Pro Bowl campaign, though, and the Texans need reinforcements inside to complement their dynamic duo on the edge (Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter).

Houston would be counting on the 6-foot-2, 345-pound Lawrence to regain his old form in a better environment, and it'd also likely have to extend his contract. He could make one of the NFL’s best defenses impenetrable. Of course, that’s if the Giants decide to trade him, rather than pay him more.