Houston Texans: Deshaun Watson and the stigma around the offensive line

There is a stigma surrounding the offensive line of the Houston Texans during the 2018 NFL season.

With Houston Texans general manager Brian Gaine taking over the position this past offseason, and a near 10-percent sack rate, the Texans had a complete overhaul on the offensive line.

Center Nick Martin returned, as did second-year left tackle Julie’n Davenport. Both guard spots, as well as right tackle, were replaced in free agency.

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Former Buffalo Bills tackle Seantrel Henderson was signed to play tackle, along with former Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints linemen Zach Fulton and Senio Kelemete were signed to take over the guard spots. Martinas Rankin was also drafted out of Mississippi State in the third round, and being comfortable playing any position, Rankin was seen as a swing option on the new offensive line.

Looking at the Texans’ offensive line, there are four categories that are surrounded with the Texans unit, including how it can continued to be repaired. Those categories include: stigma, performance, the real issue and the next steps.

All of those categories will eventually show a path to helping the Texans improve offensive line as this season continues and into the offseason as well.

Here is a look at those four areas involving not only the offensive line but also quarterback Deshaun Watson as well.