The Texans have two big needs left after free agency splashes

The Houston Texans shored up their defense in the first wave of NFL free agency. Acquiring defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles while bringing in defensive line talent like Derek Barnett, Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr. and Darrell Taylor should be enough to have DeMeco Ryans' unit competing for awards as the league's top defense.

Now there's just one key position left to address: the offensive line. Which role? Basically everyone except right tackle.

Even right tackle could use some sprucing, but it likely won't come until 2026.

Houston traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for four draft picks. It's a nice haul, but losing a talent who allowed nine total sacks over the past three seasons will be hard to replace. The Texans also cut ties with Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason, leaving long-term holes at both guard positions.

For now, Tytus Howard is the only player guaranteed to start next season. Plans are to try him at left tackle, but if that fails, he'll shift inside to one of the guard spots or back at right tackle. Former second-round pick Blake Fisher will have an opportunity to lock down the right tackle job permenantly, but any struggles could lead to him being benched and out of the Texans' future.

Houston signed Laken Tomlinson and traded for Ed Ingram to compete for reps at guard. Compete is the key word since neither is promised a starting job this offseason. At center, the Texans have competition between Jarrett Patterson, with the loser likely competing for reps at right gaurd.

So, what does this mean? The Texans must select two linemen early come next month in Green Bay during the draft. Houston has four picks in the top 100, meaning at least half must go to shoring up the protection around C.J. Stroud. The Texans could also use a wide receiver, but after trading for Christian Kirk, that could be moved down the pecking order.

Regarding pick No. 25, Texas All-American tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. should be the pipeline dream. If he's off the board, shifting inside to Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker as the top interior selection. Should both be gone, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons and North Dakota State offensive lineman Gray Zabel are strong consolation prizes with the Day 1 potential to start.

The Texans allowed 52 sacks last season, meaning change must come to keep Stroud upright. That change, at least for now, must come through the draft and a bit of hope that the picks with hit for the long haul.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans: offensive line must be addressed in NFL draft

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