Houston Texans general managerRick Smithand head coachBill O’Brienstarted the off season with a laundry list of needs to address before training camp commences this summer.
And while some of the needs have already been addressed, the organization still has a lengthy list of concerns to examine while the upcoming season is quickly approaching on the horizon.
Linebacker
The Texans always seem to have quality depth at both inside and outside linebacker, but the reality of the matter is quite the opposite.
Between the injuries and ineffectiveness of various linebackers, such asBrian CushingandJadeveon Clowney, the Texans at times this past season lacked quality backups that could step in and produce solid results.
These issues forced defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel to rely more on the likes ofAkeem Dent,Justin Tuggle, andMike Mohamed. While they are fine players for depth purposes and the occasional downs, playing them in place of the usual starters caused a noticeable drop-off in production.
And it also doesn’t help thatBrooks Reed, one of the Texans more consistent linebackers, has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
Look for the front office to address this issue during the draft, and possibly sign a veteran or two on relatively cheap contracts.
The defensive line and the backfield can only do so much, and the Texans needs more consistent production out of their linebackers to have any chance to improve in 2015.
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver meetings will be quite different this year for the Texans.
The Texans released future Hall-of-FamerAndre Johnson, but the organization also signed veteran wideoutsCecil ShortsandNate Washingtonto short-term contracts. These additions will help solve the quality depth issue behindDeAndre Hopkinsthis season.
But while the addition of Shorts and Washington provides more speed to the Texans offense now, the team still needs to add another wideout that will be bring more physicality to the position.
It is in the realm of possibility that the front office drafts a wide receiver with it’s first-round pick for O’Brien to mold from day one.
Names to watch for during the draft that the Texans may show interest in:Devante Parker, Jalen Strong, andDorial Green-Beckham.
And the organization may yet bring in another veteran receiver, especially ifKeshawn MartinorDeVier Poseyare let go during training camp.
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Offensive Line
The defensive backfield would have been the third need that remains to be addressed, but with the recent addition ofRahim Mooreand the resigning ofKareem Jackson, the backfield seems to be more settled.
But the same cannot be said of the offensive line.
The Texans did manage to retainDerek Newton, however, the organization also cut long-time centerChris Myers. NowBen Joneswill be the starting center if the season started today, but there are still plenty of question marks all over the line.
Duane Brownwill be back as the starting left tackle, and it is assumed that Newton will be the starter at right tackle.Brandon BrooksandXavier Su’a-Filowill presumably be the starting guards.
But the depth behind the starters will be thin.
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It is not known whenDavid Quessenberrywill be back for certain, so adding another quality guard seems to be a top priority.Tyson ClaboandJeff Adamsare listed as the backup tackles on theTexans depth chart, but have yet to impress during their time as Texans.James Ferentzis also the backup center behind Jones. So it is not out of the question that the Texans seek additional depth at tackle and center.
As everyone knows, injuries and ineffectiveness happen all the time in the NFL. And while the Texans seem to have a solid line of starters, adding more quality linemen to the mix wouldn’t hurt.
Stay tunedhereon the House of Houston for the latest Houston Texans news and analysis!
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