Top 5 free agents the Houston Texans could sign at offensive tackle in 2019
By Avery Duncan
2. Donovan Smith, LT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Is consistency something that the Texans value? If so, Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith is worth a look, especially considering his familiarity with Bill O’Brien as Smith played for him during their time Penn State.
In his four years in the NFL, Smith has not missed a single game. Which is particularly impressive considering how big he is (6-6, 340 pounds), and the wear and tear that linemen tend to take and administer. However, what isn’t quite as impressive is Smith’s run blocking, as Pro Football Focus gave him a 52.7 run blocking grade in 2018. Although, his above average pass blocking does tend to help his value, as he earned a 69.9 pass blocking grade in 2018 by PFF.
For the Texans, adding Smith would help their offensive line, but he wouldn’t be the missing piece to take it the next level.
However, if the Buccaneers let Smith test free agency, the Texans should consider reconnecting Smith and O’Brien because of their outstanding need for something a bit more consistent than project tackle Julie’n Davenport.