Texans predicted to replace David Montgomery in 2027 ESPN mock draft with 24-TD Ole Miss RB

The Houston Texans' defense is one of, if not the best, units in the NFL. Even with a mediocre offense, this defense should carry the Texans to the playoffs.

But, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be looking to upgrade the offense. The tight end and wide receiver rooms aren't terrible, but they're in flux. The offensive line is shaky and C.J. Stroud might not be the franchise guy after bad end 2026.

The running back room is very strong, but ESPN's Jordan Reid is predicting they're going to replace David Montgomery or Woody Marks in the 2027 NFL Draft by taking 24-touchdown Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy.

Texans predicted to replace their starting RBs with Kewan Lacy

"20. Houston Texans. Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss," Reid predicts. "The Texans have a deep roster, but they could use some reinforcements at running back."

Even though the Texans just traded for Montgomery this offseason, Reid is predicting they prepare to move on from the veteran RB, as he's turning 30 years old next season.

Marks has shown flashes, but Reid is still predicting the Texans land Lacy, the best running back in next year's draft class, in the first round of this ESPN mock draft.

Lacy ran the ball 306 times for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Ole Miss Rebels last year. That's incredibly impressive, and something that any RB-needy team would love to add to their roster next year.

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But first-round running backs cost a lot, and might not be worth it. Though in this mock draft scenario, using the 20th pick on Lacy wouldn't be a terrible overpay considering his talents.

If he has another huge season in 2026, then Lacy might not even make it down the board this far. The upside with Lacy is incredible, and the Texans could use a superstar on offense outside of Nico Collins.

Montgomery and Marks are good running backs, but landing someone as good as Lacy, with the hope that he turns into one of the best RBs in the NFL, is intriguing enough to spend a first-round pick on him.

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