The Houston Texans have a franchise shifting NFL draft ahead this month. It’s one in which the team does not have to make several big moves to improve, but rather, some believe Houston is one right tackle away from Super Bowl contention.
There has been plenty of debate over whether or not a quality tackle will fall to the team at No. 28. At least, if the tackle they think can fall to them ends up doing so. While the Texans could easily trade up with their draft capital, some are wondering if the team will stand pat.
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ESPN Texans analyst DJ Bien-Aime talked about whether or not the Texans need to make offensive line the pick at No. 28 or if they have flexibility.
“The Texans have to go heavy on offensive line in this draft, right? Right? Houston doesn’t have a choice because it needs long-term answers at guard and center. The Texans plan to draft offensive linemen to have young, cost-effective talent that can develop over time. The Texans have veteran starters in right guard Ed Ingram, right tackle Braden Smith and guard Wyatt Teller, but none of their deals prevent Houston from replacing them as early as this season if the rookies show immense promise.”
ESPN’s Jordan Reid shared why offensive line makes the most sense.
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“What we’re hearing about the Texans’ draft: Despite their offensive line overhaul this offseason, the Texans are expected to continue their aggressiveness in building that position group in the draft. Tackle Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) and guard Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) are names to circle as possibilities on Day 1 and Day 2.”
American Team offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) of Arizona State and American Team offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) of Auburn line up for a play during American Senior Bowl practice. Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Â
At No. 28, the Texans are likely to be drafting players with mixed reviews in the first round. Whether or not the team drafts an elite player or a questionable one might be in the eye of the beholder. Certainly, not everyone is sold on Iheanachor or Rutledge, but if one of them hits at 28, the Texans would have made one of the moves of the year.
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Houston could certainly go in a different direction and hope to get a tackle at No. 38. The Texans have three picks in the first two rounds. Even so, one could reasonably expect them to take a lineman in the first round.
The Texans will look to make the finishing touches on a championship contender in the first two rounds.