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
Topics
-
The Broncos have one big need left after free agency splashes
The Broncos have one big need after their free agency splashes: running back.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Five NFL teams that still have big holes to fill after early free agency
NFL free agency can be a platform for teams to address their needs. But it can also create or exacerbate issues, as several franchises have learned.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
NFL free agency: All Pro WR Cooper Kupp makes decision on next team, snubs Texans
Cooper Kupp won't be coming to the Houston Texans after all.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Broncos have filled key needs in NFL free agency
After addressing their key needs during free agency, the Broncos can go best player available in the NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Report: Cooper Kupp was never a serious option for Texans in free agency
The Houston Texans might have had some interest in landing Cooper Kupp, but talks were minimal at best.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Texans target offensive weapon, OT with pick No. 25
Following the Laremy Tunsil trade, the Houston Texans seem to be locked in on one of the three options for the offensive line at No. 25.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
2025 NFL free agency: Best remaining players for Texans after first wave of free agency
With the first week of free agency in the books, the Houston Texans look for these top names next week to become a part of the roster in 2025Yahoo Sports - 7h -
NFL rumors: Texans not among favorites to land Rams All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp
The Dallas Cowboys are doing everything to ruin the Houston Texans' dreams of landing All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp in free agency.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Texans' longest-tenured player Jon Weeks leaves in free agency after 14 seasons
The Houston Texans will learn what life is like without Jon Weeks as he's leaving NRG Stadium after 14 seasons.Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Goodhue ends girls basketball season with win in third-place game
Mar. 15—ST. PAUL — Goodhue finished its sterling season on a winning note, beating Sleep Eye St. Mary's 68-61 in the state Class 1A girls basketball tournament third-place game at Gangelhoff ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Abdul Carter has surprisingly low NFL draft projection in new mock draft
Penn State's top NFL draft prospect is considered a lock for a top five pick, but this mock draft goes against that general feeling.Yahoo Sports - 16m
More in Sports
-
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 10m -
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 10m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 11m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 11m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 13m