5. Kareem Jackson, CB
Granted, Pro Football Focus had the 31-year-old Kareem Jackson as the 14th-best cornerback in the NFL last season for his overall play, but to be honest, is he a player the Texans can continue to depend on for the 2019 season and beyond?
There is no way the Texans should give Jackson a contract of over a year, or at least not more than two years, and they also have to realize the need to find a cornerback that can shut down the offense of the Indianapolis Colts much better than what Houston did last season.
Back to the grade from PFF of Jackson: his season overall grade was 79.5, but more importantly his coverage grade was at 74.2, which isn’t great, but not overly terrible, either. Jackson had a PFF run defense grade of 90.4, but the coverage grade is what draws the most attention.
Jackson is a former first-round pick back in 2010 (20th overall), but following a season with 70 solo tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, he did have a productive season on the stat sheet. Jackson also had 17 passes defensed this past season, but he was also a part of a secondary which allowed 1.8 passing touchdowns per game, according to TeamRankings.com.
Some teams will pay what could be a hefty price tag for the secondary play that Jackson brings to an NFL team this offseason, but with the Texans having the 23rd overall draft pick, plus two second-round picks, it is easy to see the Texans could choose to go younger (and cheaper) at the cornerback position this offseason.