For a variety of reasons, this week will help shape the future of the franchise.

One of those reasons: the Senior Bowl.

The college all-stars are arriving in Mobile, Alabama and they'll get their first practice in on Tuesday. The talent evaluators from every NFL team, including the Texans, are there as well. They get a chance to see the players up close in practice. More importantly, teams get a chance to meet with and interview some of the top prospects, too.

Two years ago, in 2018, the Texans selected one player who suited up in the Senior Bowl. That was Central Florida tight end Jordan Akins, who's been an impact contributor in each of his first two seasons.

But last year, the Texans went heavy on Senior Bowl participants in the NFL Draft. Their first three selections all played in Mobile. Right tackle Tytus Howard was a first round pick and left guard Max Scharping was a second-rounder. Both were starters on the offense line in 2019, and look to be cornerstones up front for the Texans. Cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. also played in the Senior Bowl, and the Texans took him in the second round. He started some, and saw significant action in 2019.

Defensive end Charles Omenihu also played in the game last January, and was taken in the fifth round. Running back Karan Higdon was on the practice squad for Houston in 2019, and could figure into the mix at that position next season.

John Harris of HoustonTexans.com will file reports from south Alabama this week, and will have much more on the prospects playing in this year's game.