McClain: How Texans stand after combine, before free agency
John McClain , Houston Chronicle March 4, 2019 Updated: March 4, 2019 4:57 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS — General manager Brian Gaine and coach Bill O’Brien spent a productive week at the scouting combine and returned to Houston excited about the possibilities of improving the roster at the top of the draft with one pick in the first round and two in the second.
Last year, the Texans didn’t have a draft choice until the third round when they selected safety Justin Reid, who played like a first-round pick.
The Texans’ primary needs are offensive tackle and cornerback, and the April 25-27 draft is deep at both positions. The Texans also need an inside pass rusher, a third running back and a fourth receiver.
Depending on what happens with safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson, the Texans could have a need at that position. Their contracts expire March 13 when free agency begins. It’s more likely Mathieu returns than Jackson.
“It’s a great opportunity for the club,” Gaine said about having ammunition in the first two rounds compared to last year. “We have three picks in the top 55 and four in the top 86. We’re going to (have) a chance to get very good players in the first two or three rounds that we think can make a significant impact (on) the team.”
Free agency will have an impact on what Gaine does in the draft. The Texans placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney because they have been unable to agree on a new contract. They are going to release Kevin Johnson, which will clear an additional $9.1 million on the cap.
The salary cap is going to be $188.2 million. As it stands today, the Texans are about $64 million under the cap.
“I think we’ll be selectively aggressive where we can, based on what’s going to be available at various positions,” Gaine said about free agency. “Obviously, with our players potentially hitting the free agent market, we’re continuously planning all the time.
“We’re going to draft and develop our own and try to sign our guys to long-term deals before we look for external solutions. And if we have the ability to do that, that’ll be my first priority.”
In free agency, there’s not a lot available at offensive tackle and cornerback, but that doesn’t mean the Texans won’t target players at those positions.
THE REST OF THE STORY