Five Incoming Houston Texans Who May Start This Season
By Ethan Cohen
Sep 8, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Rice Owls kicker Chris Boswell (9) celebrates with holder Klein Kubiak (84) after kicking the winning field goal against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Rice won the game 25-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
K Chris Boswell
Last but not least is the most well-known pick-up from the Texans in years, Chris Boswell. Just kidding. All jokes aside, Boswell could be the best-undrafted free agent that the Texans have signed since Arian Foster. While Boswell will never ever be a star like Foster, he certainly could find his place on the Texans’ roster this season as their starting kicker.
Boswell, a former Rice Owl, led the nation this past season with successful field goals over 50 yards (6). Throughout his college career, Boswell has kicked 13 50+ yard field goals. Due to his impressive leg strength, Boswell also could be an asset in kickoffs if he can boot them for touchbacks consistently.
Since Gary Kubiak has taken his services and Aggie Pride up to Baltimore, Randy Bullock may be on a short leash with O’Brien. Bullock actually did finish last season making 12 straight field goals, but it was his early season inconsistency and inability to deliver in the clutch that maddened Texans fans. Without Kubiak to support his Aggie draft pick, Bullock may be on the way out if Boswell finds a way to outperform him in the pre-season and training camp.
While it is not ideal for the Texans to continue to file through kickers, they have to decide on a young kicker who can hold the position for years to come. If it ends up being Boswell, so be it. O’Brien wants competition, so keep an eye out on the competition between Bullock and Boswell.
Overall, the Texans had a magnificent draft that should make fans proud. Rick Smith and Bill O’Brien have given the team an opportunity to drastically improve this season and have built a solid foundation for years to come. Get excited for a new era of Houston Texans football.