The Houston Texans find themselves in a similar situation as the Cincinnati Bengals did in 2021.
The Houston Texans have their quarterback (for now) in Davis Mills. Mills took over for the injured Tyrod Taylor last season and was also subject to a terrible offensive line that let up the ninth-most sacks in the entire league. The Cincinnati Bengals faced a similar problem last year when they had to choose between Penei Sewell and Ja’Marr Chase at the 5th overall pick.
The Bengals took Chase, and everyone knows how successful that was until their offensive line lost the Bengals their chance at winning Super Bowl LVI. So with these two teams in similar situations, will the Houston Texans opt to take the same route as the Bengals?
Houston would likely have the first pick in terms of the receivers off the board at the third overall pick. Therefore, such receivers like Chris Olave and Treylon Burks, among many others, could be chosen here.
Houston Texans can explore WRs at No.3, but protecting Mills remains a priority.
With all due respect to Mills, he’s no Joe Burrow. Burrow was the first overall draft pick for a reason, and his play this season despite his offensive line confirmed that. Mills made some strides late in the season but struggled mightily to gain traction as he started 0-7 in 2021.
Houston also lost Geron Christian to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, who only let up one sack in relief duty of the injured Laremy Tunsil. Houston signed Cedric Ogbuehi and re-signed Justin Britt to help out the offensive line, but Houston hasn’t signed anyone that’s solidified the unit or built depth on the roster.
Whether you’re an Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu fan, teams don’t get anywhere without a good offensive line. Houston still needs to pick an offensive lineman with their first pick. Whatever happens at 13 happens.