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

Next Steps

There will need to be an upgrade in personnel in the coming offseason. Since the poor start to the season by rookie Martinas Rankin, where he gave up 27 pressures in his first four games according to Pro Football Focus, he has settled down. Rankin has been shifted back to his natural position of guard, and he is giving up fewer quarterback pressures as a result. Nick Martin looks like he’s here to stay, and same goes for Senio Kelemete.

Seantrel Henderson is a free agent once again, Zach Fulton has been injury prone and Julie’n Davenport may be best suited as a backup tackle. The Texans should select a tackle with one of their two second-round picks, and they should target a couple offensive linemen in free agency too. Chance Warmack is available in free agency, as is Jared Veldheer. With (hopefully) a rookie standing in at one tackle spot, these should be the targets to fill the other spot.

Aside from personnel, pocket presence needs to be a place of emphasis for Watson’s offseason training. With a more talented offensive line and a more comfortable Watson in the quarterback, he will have the ability to shine even brighter than he already does.

Just remember, it’s not all about sack numbers and rushing struggles. Watson and play calling are as much to blame for offensive troubles as the offensive line.