Who do you think will crack the Houston Texans starting lineup as we approach the NFL Draft?
The Houston Texans have a lot of decisions to make between now and the start of the regular season, but in early April, before the 2020 NFL Draft arrives, here is the projected starting lineup and backups for the 2020 roster.
QB: Deshaun Watson
Barring any more ludicrous moves by general manager/head coach Bill O’Brien — or a potential holdout for a new contract — which should absolutely not be expected, Deshaun Watson will play out his fourth year in the NFL on his rookie contract.
Rumors swirling about Watson’s lack of faith in the franchise due to liking Instagram posts and cryptic tweets featuring Drake lyrics should not be taken seriously. Watson is the franchise leader and will be retained in all likelihood with a record-setting contract.
The only real question is whether or not he will become the highest-paid player in the league before-or-after Patrick Mahomes, who was also drafted in 2017 and is eligible for a new deal.
RB: David Johnson
How must David Johnson feel after now being sent over in the much-maligned DeAndre Hopkins trade with the Cardinals? Everyone in the national media, Houston fanbase and the Texans organization has berated the move.
Johnson quickly shared “When the grass is cut the snakes will show” on his Twitter. Yes, he is obviously injury-prone and not exactly the same player that earned a three-year, $39 million contract, but he was also successful enough for a short stretch to warrant that contract in the first place.
David Johnson will likely get the bulk of carries as opposed to Duke Johnson, much like Carlos Hyde’s role last year. However, it will be interesting to see how new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly is able to work his strength as a pass-catcher into the game plan.