Brian Gaine has been the general manager for just over a week, and one of many spots he's looking to upgrade is the offensive line.
The four Texans who threw a pass last season were sacked a combined 54 times. Only Indianapolis allowed more in the NFL, as the Colts quarterbacks were dropped a League-worst 56 times. Keeping Deshaun Watson upright and healthy is a key, and Gaine explained his thoughts on getting better up front.
"It's certainly an area that we're going to evaluate heavily here," Gaine said. "As I get my feet wet here in the operation, knowing what we have and then studying what's going to be available to us in the free agent market first and obviously with the draft right around the corner."
Head coach Bill O'Brien was encouraged by some of the young pieces up front, including center Nick Martin, left tackle Julién Davenport and guard Kyle Fuller.
"There's some good, young offensive linemen here that have to continue to improve and get better, have great offseasons," O'Brien said.
Gaine, meanwhile, emphasized he'll "pursue all avenues to improve our roster". Surrounding Watson with talent is a must.
"When you have a quarterback in place that you believe in, that you think can help you win a lot of football games, you've got to start to put pieces around him and pieces in place to help him succeed on the field," Gaine said. "That's not just with the perimeter players and the skill players, that'll be with the offensive line."
Gaine, O'Brien and the rest of the Texans scouting, personnel and coaching staffs will be in Mobile this week for the Senior Bowl practices and game.
The Houston Texans roster in photos. (Updated 12/29/2020)
ILB, Tyrell Adams #50
TE, Jordan Akins, 88
DT, Auzoyah Alufohai, #98
P, Bryan Anger, 9
CB, Cornell Armstrong, 30
DT, Ross Blacklock #90
DT, Andrew Brown, #97
TE Pharaoh Brown #85
WR, Brandin Cooks #13
WR, Isaiah Coulter #82
WR, Keke Coutee, 16
CB, Keion Crossen, 35
ILB, Zach Cunningham, 41
ILB, Kyle Emanuel, 56
K, Ka'imi Fairbairn, 7
TE, Darren Fells, 87
OL, Zach Fulton, 73
CB, Phillip Gaines #29
OLB, Jonathan Greenard #52
ILB, Nate Hall, 48
WR, Chad Hansen, #17
CB, Vernon Hargreaves III #26
T, Charlie Heck #67
RB, Dontrell Hilliard, #22
RB, Buddy Howell, 38
RB, David Johnson #31
RB, Duke Johnson, 25
CB, Lonnie Johnson, Jr., 32
T, Roderick Johnson #63
OLB, Peter Kalambayi, 58
OL, Senio Kelemete, 64
LB, Jacob Martin, 54
C, Nick Martin, 66
QB, AJ McCarron #2
QB, Josh McCown, 3
S, A.J. Moore, 33
DE, Charles Omenihu, 94
S, Jonathan Owens, 36
RB, Scottie Phillips, #40
DE C.J. Prosise #24
G/T Brent Qvale #76
WR, Damion Ratley, #19
CB, John Reid #34
OLB, Brennan Scarlett, 57
OL, Max Scharping, 74
OL, Laremy Tunsil, 78
TE, Kahale Warring, 81
DL, Carlos Watkins, 91
QB, Deshaun Watson, 4
DE, J.J. Watt, 99
LS, Jon Weeks #46
