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Offensive Line
The current state of the O-Line is a stain on an otherwise palatable roster. Former Minnesota and Carolina tackle Matt Kalil has been added through free agency, but this is a move that smacks of desperation – he was signed on a one year, $7.5 million deal. Based on this, the Texans are right now expecting Kalil to be their starting left tackle – this should ring huge alarm bells.
During his time with the Panthers, Kalil offered very little in the run game and was often left flat-footed by speed rushes. Houston should aggressively seek an upgrade at this position via the Draft.
Secondary
Former first round picks Kareem Jackson and Kevin Johnson, Andre Hal, and of course last year’s free agent marquee signing Tyrann Mathieu, have all departed Houston. Thus, leaving a gaping hole on the team to be filled.
This has been partly addressed with the captures of CB Bradley Roby, FS Tashaun Gipson and CB/S Briean Boddy-Calhoun through free agency, but it could still do with the addition of some young blood.
It is feasible the Texans could address the secondary as early as the 1st round, with talented CBs Byron Murphy and Deandre Baker expected to be taken late in the opening round. Houston could be in prime position to make the move – they hold the 23rd overall pick.
Running Back
Houston are at a crossroads concerning the future state of their running back room. Question marks hang over Lamar Miller’s long-term status with the team, as rumours circulated in the offseason he was a potential cut candidate.
The other running back of note is D’Onta Foreman, who is facing “a big year” according to head coach Bill O’Brien. Foreman will enter the 2019 season a full year removed from the devastating Achilles injury he suffered that effectively wiped out his entire 2018 campaign.
This type of injury is notorious for having career altering side-effects, the Texans will be hoping Foreman will show minimal signs of this major blow and return to the form he displayed in his rookie year – this very much remains to be seen.
If Miller cannot justify his price tag and Foreman is unable to be relied upon, this will make the running back position the Achilles’ Heel of the Texans. Pun intended. Despite this uncertainty, a running back should be considered only as early as the 3rd round, the aforementioned needs are much more of an issue.
