I think the Texans should have had a real honest discussion as to what they thought the team is truly capable of going into 2019, 2020 and 2021 based on the current roster and how it may look in 2020 and 2021.
Then take into account that the FO has a desire to build through the draft versus taking any financial risk(s) on FA veterans or their own players for that matter. That usually results in low financial risk players who are essentially at the bottom of the barrel or need a prove it type of season to possibly get a big payday If the Texans are going to venture down this path......then be prepared that the closeout bin is where they like to shop. In my world.....I call these athletes "bridge players" who may or may not be good enough to even be a bridge for a younger player.
What the current events are screaming, the draft is where the Texans want to build but haven't even made a true commitment to this endeavor b/c they're currently under the illusion that they can go deep into the playoffs......seriously, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. If Cal McNair, Gaine and OB want to try and emulate what Crane and the Astros did, then all three are going to need to grow a pair and make some really tough decisions.
I think the Texans want to go all in on a rebuild but just don't have the coconuts to do it. Personally, the way the Texans are currently constructed, I'd view them as a money pit b/c the money they'd have to keep throwing at this roster to remain somewhat relevant will never equate to an AFCCG visit much less the ultimate pipe dream of playing in a SB. They'll remain near the point of no return in regards to being in cap hell for the next 3 seasons if they attempt to keep up this mirage. Worse yet, they'll win just enough to really screw any good plans of rebuilding through the draft.
I feel like Gaine could be a really good GM in regards to the draft. Some may say I'm crazy b/c Reid was the only real big return from the 2018 draft class but I'm thinking the Jordan's could be a massive payoff if OB figures out how to sit Griffin and let these guys bring their particular games to the team. I think Rankin can be the OL they drafted him to be......he had zero off-season and wound up gaining his experience through OJT. OB and Devlin need to quickly figure out where they see Rankin playing and let him spend the entire off-season learning this position, then honing that knowledge in pre-season games. Bottom line, if Gaine can nail this draft with the same potential as last season, then the team could go full rebuild knowing it could be year three before the results begin to surface.
On a side note, I was 100% behind the Astros complete rebuild b/c the plan made too much sense. The Texans can do this as well but they really need to commit to the plan and freeze their prices for the 3 year process.
I would start by identifying the assets that currently represent the face of the organization and bring them in on the project. If they feel they can provide leadership during the process, then keep them in place, if they feel they would like to move on for an opportunity before their quality playing time runs out, then let them leave and shop for the best returns.
Personally, I see the following players as the integral parts of the current club:
QB- Watson (22)
WR- Hopkins (23)
DE- Watt (22)
S- Reid (22 + 3)
K- Fairbairn (20 / He's a K, he'll be here as long as the Texans want to pay him)
Players on the fringe:
WR- Coutee (22 + 3)
TE- Thomas (22 +3)
TE- Aikens (22 + 3)
OL- Rankin (22 + 3)
To me, anyone not on this list would be available for the right price in picks. As you could imagine, the cap space would be plentiful simply b/c there's no one who should be counting big against it as the rebuild begins.
If Gaine could go into the draft with 8-9 picks this season, then he'd come away with some pieces for the OL and definitely have his picks at restocking the defense. 2019 could be tough but as long as they're competitive and showing improvement.....I'd be happy with the results. Going into the 2020 off-season, the Texans could get plenty of cap relief with some good trades and add maybe 2-4 picks and possibly find themselves drafting from inside the top 10 picks.
Building through the draft while cutting overhead......isn't that the ultimate goal? Neither the Oilers or the Texans have ever got this sequence right. They're always missing something when they need it the most. I think it's time to clear the chess board and start a new game.