For a team that went 11-5 and took back the AFC South title last season, the Texans have considerable holes at key positions going into 2019. The offensive front and defensive backfield need the most attention. That comes, however, with trying to take care of end/outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney with a long-term deal after tagging him.
While a good chunk of their $82 million in available salary-cap space (third-most in the league, per OverTheCap.com) will go toward securing Clowney, the Texans are looking at losing a couple versatile cogs in the secondary, as Kareem Jackson and Tyrann Mathieu are also unsigned.
2019 NFL FREE AGENTS:
Ranking top players available by position
Unlike last year, Houston and general manager Brian Gaine have a first-round pick in the draft, No. 23 overall, with which to get some great talent, followed by two second-rounders.
How might the Texans balance that out with what they do in March? Here's a deep dive into their NFL free agency outlook:
Texans team needs
- Offensive tackle
- Safety
- Cornerback
- Running back
- Tight end
Offensive tackle
This is easily the highest offseason priority given quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times and the team finished only 19th in rushing yards per carry last season. Kendall Lamm, who started 13 games last season, was the best of a bad group, and he is a free agent.
With three picks in the top 55, the Texans are bound to address the line at least once in the draft, but free agency does offer some options. On the left side, Trent Brown was key to the Patriots' latest Super Bowl run and would fit well in Bill O'Brien's offense. At right tackle, Daryl Williams would be the best blocker to covet.
Safety
The Texans are set at free safety with emerging playmaker Justin Reid, last year's third-round pick. They will try their hardest to retain Mathieu, who doesn't turn 27 until May, to keep making plays next to Reid. Although Jackson was valuable playing both safety and corner last season, he turns 31 in April.
Re-signing Mathieu would make this position more of a depth play instead of trying to go for another youthful starter such as Adrian Amos. Tre Boston makes a lot of sense with his coverage skills, and Jimmie Ward does, too — if Houston can look past the joint-practice fight he once had with DeAndre Hopkins.
Cornerback
Along with Jackson, Shareece Wright and Kayvon Webster are free agents. Kevin Johnson's future is in doubt after landing on IR with concussions early last season. Old reliable Johnathan Joseph turns 35 before the draft. A starter is in play, as well as the slot after the disappointment of last year's big free-agent pickup, Aaron Colvin.
The Texans should not be ruled out in going after two established outside options in Steven Nelson and Ronald Darby. After breaking the bank on Colvin, they are unlikely to go for the pure inside services of Bryce Callahan and Justin Coleman.
For some versatility at a lesser price, Darqueze Dennard and Bradley Roby are intriguing. The Texans could also table this position in free agency, as the corner values are strong in the back half of the first round of the draft.
Running back
Should the Texans pass on the nuts and bolts of other free agents behind Clowney, it's a no-brainer for them to make a run at Le'Veon Bell. Lamar Miller is down to one year left on his contract ahead of his age-28 season, and Alfred Blue is a free agent. D'Onta Foreman is talented but a complete wild card with his durability.
Miller has flashed some big runs and big games, but overall, he has had limited effectiveness in his three seasons in Houston, only partly tied to line play. He also has provided limited returns as a receiver.
Bell, a year younger than Miller, can revitalize the entire offense and form a scary trio with Watson and Hopkins. His patient running style and short passing game explosiveness have been missing elements. Getting him, along with making the right line upgrades, would ease the burden on Watson as a passer and a runner.
If the Texans don't want to ring Bell, Tevin Coleman needs a phone call. Mark Ingram would give them more power, while T.J. Yeldon and Spencer Ware would give them more receiving pop. Houston considered replacing Miller last year. Bell and the other top free-agent running backs provide good reason to execute that plan this year.
MOCK DRAFT 2019:
Texans go defense in Round 1
Tight end
The Texans have the two second-year Jordans, Thomas and Akins, who each have some receiving promise. Veteran Ryan Griffin just turned 29 and is only signed for one more season. The concern here is the major blocking liability across the board.
The thought of Jared Cook coming to Houston to catch passes from Watson might sound good, but he is deficient in blocking, something that doesn't line up with O'Brien. Cook also will cost too much for a player who turns 32 in April.
Instead, the Texans should look at Demetrius Harris or James O'Shaughnessy to complement the Jordans. On the bargain level, there is Maxx Williams.
While getting stronger on the edges and changing up feature back are most important to the running game, getting a more capable in-line tight end is also key.
