The Houston Texans made improving on the offensive side of the ball their offseason priority, using all of their first three draft picks on that end of the field. After the offense struggled to take a step forward in CJ Stroud's second season under center, the Texans decided to surround their star quarterback with better talent and a new offensive coordinator.
That doesn't mean, however, that the Texans ignored the defensive unit. They signed key defenders Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., and Jalen Pitre to extensions and traded for CJ Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles. They also brought back veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who spent last season with the Bengals.
While Rankins is projected to be a starter to begin the season, the Texans could and should consider upgrading in that spot.
Sheldon Rankins May Still Be Replaced in Houston Despite Signing in Free Agency
Houston didn't address their defensive line until Round 7, drafting Kyonte Hamilton from Rutgers. Hamilton will likely be a practice squad player or a deep bench option in his rookie campaign. That leaves Tim Settle Jr. and Rankins as the starters on the interior with Kurt Hinish, Mario Edwards Jr., and Tommy Togiai as the backup options.
As things stand now, this rotation may be considered Houston's weak link before the season. Rankins struggled in his lone season in Cincinnati, missing games due to a hamstring injury and a mysterious illness, leading to his release in the offseason. In his seven starts, he received a near career-low 55.3 grade on Pro Football Focus.
At this stage of free agency, there aren't many starter-caliber players, regardless of the position. However, the Texans would benefit from bringing in a veteran defender or trying to find a diamond in the rough among undrafted free agents. Taven Bryan of the Indianapolis Colts is one of the better options still remaining on the market that the Texans should seriously consider.
Rankins may be penciled in as the starter right now, but there are too many age, injury, and performance-related questions about him for the Texans to feel great about that rotation. Whether they decide to do anything to address it remains to be seen.