Houston Texans: Evaluating 2017 defense, 2018 outlook by position
By T.A. Mock
Safeties
The 2017 Texans safeties weren’t horrible but they also weren’t great either. Improvements elsewhere could help this unit out. However, this unit could also experience a lot of turnover this off season.
Contracted for 2018: Andre Hal, Kurtis Drummond, Ibraheim Campbell
Impending Free Agents: Marcus Gilchrist, Eddie Pleasant, Corey Moore (RFA)
After switched from corner after his first season, Hal has been dependable player at the safety position for the Texans. He has collected nine interceptions over the past three years. Fortunately for the Texans, he is locked in at a reasonable price until 2021. The issue this year at safety position was Hal’s running mate.
Gilchrist was the primary option to play next to Hal and he was below average at the very least. After a one year deal, don’t look for the Texans to bring him back next year. A pleasant surprise this year, Eddie Pleasant, (pun initially unintended, but it works) provided key depth at this position. The team would be remiss if they did not try to bring him back, as he should be able to be retained at decent price. Drummond provided excellent special teams play and should be back next year. Because of his designation, look for Moore to also return next year.
Hal needs a partner in crime, so who’s available?
Like corner, there are several options in free agency that the team could choose to pursue. There are more premiere guys like Morgan Burnett, Lamarcus Joyner, and Ricardo Allen (my personal favorite). There are guys with less renown like Tre Boston and Kenny Vaccaro that could come in and be solid fit.
Burnett has been one of the few bright points on an abysmal Packer defense. Joyner made the full-time switch to safety this year after playing all over the field, and the results were promising. Allen is well-rounded, talented and YOUNG. He won’t turn 27 until December. Allen is a restricted free agent, so it might take a big, creative contract to land him. Boston is coming off of a successful “prove it” campaign with the Chargers and could be a good fit. Vaccaro is also a Texas-native and could be looking to move back closer to home.
The Texans coaching staff has the privilege to coach the Senior Bowl this year. Fortunately, there are a couple of eligible safeties that should be in attendance. Armani Watts out of Texas A&M, Quin Blanding from Virginia, and Marcus Allen from Penn State. Who knows if any of these guys will end up falling to round three for the Texans in this year’s draft? All three could probably come in right away and compete for a starting job.
2018 Outlook Grade: D Hal is the only redeeming factor here. He was solid and should improve with a healthy defense and a better running mate. Gaine and his crew will have some work here to do as well.