Houston Texans Roundup: Pre-NFL Combine Workout Thoughts
The 2019 NFL Combine workouts begin this Friday and here are some Houston Texans thoughts entering the four days of workouts.
The most important time of the offseason for the Houston Texans should be them preparing to evaluate some of the best talent that will be available at the 2019 NFL Draft in late April, as the start of the workouts of the NFL Combine begin on Friday in Indianapolis.
We all know the Texans will be closely evaluating prospects from all areas of the lineup, but the most important needs for the team have to be — or at least should be — drafting a top offensive tackle, a cornerback and later in the draft a guard for the offensive line, and even a running back. There could also be a need for a tight end in this draft or even a pass rusher from the edge, but o-line needs trumps every need.
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That brings us to the workouts on Friday — the first of four days of workouts — where the Texans will be closely watching running backs, offensive line, special teams and kicker on that day. I think the Texans are fine at kicker with the emergence of Ka’imi Fairbairn fits in just fine with Houston’s plans, but the other positions working out Friday are all of a certain level of need for the Texans.
Offensive line being of great importance, click here at NFL.com for a list of all the offensive linemen invited to the event. No matter how you look at the Texans, until they decide to repair a broken offensive line things won’t change for the team and that would be a shame as they have many talented players on their roster.
What do you want the top target to be for the Texans at the combine and going into the NFL Draft?
Here are headlines for the Texans as we near the end of the week:
• Drew Dougherty of HoustonTexans.com wrote about head coach Bill O’Brien and quoted him on the offseason of quarterback Deshaun Watson:
"“We’re not allowed to talk football with him and things like that right now,” O’Brien said. “But he’s been in the building and it’s been good to see him, and we’ll get working on everything in April.”"
The Texans should feel good for the fact that they have a franchise quarterback in Watson and one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. The more games he gets under his belt, Watson will become an even better quarterback than he already is, and the Texans should be very excited for his future.
• Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle wrote about the current contract of Jadeveon Clowney as the free agent is a target for the Texans to keep on their roster:
"“The Texans will talk with Clowney’s agent, Bus Cook, this week at the NFL scouting combine to see if a long-term deal can be hammered out.”"
The Texans should work on re-signing Clowney to a long-term deal and he’s still playing at a high level, and when he’s healthy he makes the defense of the Texans scary. Clowney is coming off a season where in 38 solo tackles, nine sacks and a forced fumble. For the past two seasons Clowney has at least nine sacks in both of those years. What will be interesting with Clowney is if the Texans can’t reach a deal is if the franchise tag will come into play, which wouldn’t make for a big surprise for the upcoming season.
• Dan Parzych of Ramblin’ Fan — a FanSided website — listed some free agents from the Texans that could end up on the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, including Kayvon Webster, with the article stating:
"“There was nothing Webster wanted more than to see his career get back on track in Houston, but once again injuries came into play.”"
I would be surprised if Webster returns to Houston, but he could be a possible target for Los Angeles. They are sure to make a few changes here and there this offseason as they have the added pressure to return to the Super Bowl for and defend their NFC Championship, but again, we’ll probably not see Webster with the Texans in 2019.
• Tweet of the Day
https://twitter.com/NFLUK/status/1100666848067112961
Here are some highlights from the Texans as we wait out this offseason for the return of actual games in 2019. Remember, the Texans will be playing in London during the 2019 season, so that should be exciting for all involved.
Next. 5 free agents for Houston Texans that are a perfect fit. dark
Be sure to keep visiting the Toro Times for more analysis and opinions as the NFL Combine takes place in the next few days.