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Houston Texans Offseason Needs – Part III

By Travis Oquin

Aug 7, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Charles James (31) dances beside cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) prior to their joint practice with the Washington Redskins as part of day eight of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Houston Texans defensive back Charles James (31) dances beside cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) prior to their joint practice with the Washington Redskins as part of day eight of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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We have previously looked at the Texans offseason needs on offense and defense.  In this article we’ll examine the special teams.

The Texans have several decisions to make on special teams.  One of the highlights of GM Rick Smith’s spotty draft record can be seen by the lack of success from this unit.

We’ll start with the kicker position, the only position on special teams that can come up with points (at least that’s the way it seems like in Houston). Drafting Randy Bullock over the likes of Greg Zeurlein and Blair Walsh is still funny (or bothersome) as was bringing in and later cutting a better kicker in 2014 in Rice’s Chris Boswell, who is now the kicker for the Steelers.

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets punt returner Jeremy Kerley (11) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brian Peters (52) during game at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets punt returner Jeremy Kerley (11) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brian Peters (52) during game at NRG Stadium. Houston won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Novak is a decentkicker, but they need a kicker that can give them touchbacks on kickoffs, which Novak can’t do.  A late round draft pick on a kicker is VERY possible.

Shane Lechler did not have one of his best seasons last year and is 39 years old and a free agent.  It will be interesting to see if Lechler still wants to kick.  I would expect it will be Texans-or-retire for Lechler as this is home.  If Lechler was to retire, the Texans could potentially keep Novak and draft a punter that can also handle kickoffs and solve two issues with one player.

The Texans special teams, although to the naked eye appeared to improve from a terrible group in 2014, still graded out as dead last in the NFL in 2015.  Part of the problem is not having a kicker that can give you touchbacks while almost every kickoff the Texans receive, is a touchback.  The kickoffs are huge and take a lot of pressure off your coverage teams.

As far as coverage teams, Charles James, Kurtis Drummond, Brian Peters & Jonathan Grimes all played well on special teams.  Mumphrey was a disappointment in the return game and didn’t really contribute in coverage.  The Texans started using Akeem Hunt on returns later in the season and he has the kind of speed needed. Mumphrey does not and looks to be another wasted draft pick.

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As we’ve mentioned earlier, the Texans will get Reshard Cliett who was drafted and expected to contribute greatly on special teams, back next season.

I would expect to see two or three late round draft picks focused on special teams, a linebacker or a safety that excels in kick coverage, a punter or a kicker and a slot receiver or corner that also doubles as a return man.

With these few moves and in particular having someone kickoff that can give them touchbacks, the special teams unit should improve.

Click here for all the latest on the Texans’ offseason.

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