Peyton Manning receives excellent protection from an OL that consists of:
* LT Chris Clark a five year vet who was undrafted.
* LG Zane Beadles four year vet drafted in the 2nd round 45th overall
* C Manny Ramirze 7 year vet drafted 4th round 117th overall
* RG Louis Vasquez 5th year vet drafted in 3rd round 78th overall
* RT Orlando Franklin 3rd year drafted by Broncos 2nd rd. 46th overall
of course Clady is out for season & he was a high first 12th overall draft pick.
Texans have:
*LT Duane Brown 6 year vet 1st rd. pick 26th overall
*LG Wade Smith 11 year vet 3rd rd.
*C Chris Myers 9 year vet 6th rd.
*RG Brandon Brooks, 2 year vet, 3rd rd. 76th overall
*RT Derek Newton 3 year vet, 7th rd 214th overall
Clearly LT is the premium position designated worthy of 1st rd. selections but still not a necessity to get results. RT is important, as high as 2nd rd, but can be addressed later as well. What really stands out to me are the ages of players & years in the league. It appears Texans stood pat a year or two long with offensive linemen who they liked. age has apparently caught up to them, as other teams enter prime Texans OL is well past theirs. I know they invested two high picks in tackle position last year both warranted, but injury prevented them from contributing.
I just can't see Texans with Duane Brown on the books spend the #1 overall pick on a OT. Schaub will be off the roster, along with millions which will help mold salary for a top pick to replace him. I've kinda come full circle back to Tajh Boyd, in a trade down & adding extra pick for OL. That is best strategy.