Texans roster: 4 most crucial players entering 2021

No. 1: Texans Quarterback Tyrod Taylor

There’s no indication Deshaun Watson plays for Houston this season, meaning David Culley will have little choice but to turn to Tyrod Taylor for starting quarterback duties.

It’s not the worst possible option. Taylor, a journeyman, worked with Culley back with the Buffalo Bills in 2017 when the then-quarterbacks coach helped manage Taylor to a decent 14-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio over 14 starts on a rebuilding Bills squad under head coach Sean McDermott.

More from Houston Texans Roster

• Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
• Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
• Houston Texans: The good, bad and totally awful in loss to Jaguars
• Legendary Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt is an Unquestioned First Ballot Hall of Famer
• Houston Texans: What fans have to look forward to in 2023

No other position in the NFL draws more attention than the quarterback, and players all too often gravitate towards how their quarterback is playing.

In Taylor’s case, having bounced around the league over the course of his 10-year career offers up the kind of experience and understanding of different locker-room dynamics. Granted, this isn’t to say Taylor will light up Houston’s offense over the course of a 17-game season. If anything, the lack of pass-catching weaponry around him and remaining questions about the offensive line could make for a long, dreary year for the soon-to-be 32 year old.

That said, especially if the Texans are tempted to work towards rookie quarterback Davis Mills, Taylor could end up being a quality mentor and bridge option.

And his impact on the rest of the team could end up going a long way.