The Houston Texans have added Iowa tight end Luke Lachey with their final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, picking him 255th overall. Lachey joins a team with a new offensive coordinator, Nick Caley, who has notable experience with tight ends. Coming from the renowned Iowa tight end lineage, expectations are that Lachey may secure a spot on the active roster. He has shown steady improvement during his college career, recording 28 receptions for 398 yards and four touchdowns in 2022, followed by 28 receptions for 231 yards in 2024.

Despite his skills, Lachey is primarily viewed as a blocking tight end at this stage, which will place him in competition for snaps with second-year player Cade Stover, particularly in red zone situations. His evaluation by NFL.com highlights his potential as a versatile tight end capable of playing both in-line and as a move tight end, though questions remain about his core strength and ability to escape man coverage effectively.