2018 Texans review: Offensive line
Aaron Wilson , Houston Chronicle Jan. 8, 2019 Updated: Jan. 9, 2019 4:43 p.m.
.............................The Texans moved on from draft bust Xavier Su'a-Filo and veteran journeymen Chris Clark and Breno Giacomini. And Gaine signed three new starters in right tackle Seantrel Henderson, who broke his ankle in the season opener against the New England Patriots, right guard Zach Fulton ($28 million), who provided mostly solid play, and left guard Senio Kelemete ($12 million), an undersized, frequently injured, feisty lineman who would ideally be a key backup.
Julie'n Davenport was brought back as the starting left tackle and he struggled mightily early in the season and led the team with 15 penalties. The former fourth-round draft pick from Bucknell has ideal size with long arms and improving strength. He has potential, but doesn't look talented enough in terms of mobility, skill and drive blocking to be a long-term solution at a critical position where he's tasked with protecting Watson's blind side.
The Texans were forced to insert Kendall Lamm at right tackle when Henderson got hurt. The former undrafted free agent from Appalachian State battled, but was overwhelmed by more athletic players. He went through some cringe-worthy moments, including being launched into the air once against the Colts in the regular season and landing on top of running back Lamar Miller in the backfield. Lamm is an unrestricted free agent.
Center Nick Martin is the only lineman on the roster with a pedigree in terms of a lot of predicted success. The former Notre Dame All-American is the highest drafted offensive lineman on the roster as a former second-round draft pick. And he's the younger brother of Cowboys Pro Bowl offensive guard Zack Martin.
Martin is the safest bet to keep his job and develop into an even more reliable player. He didn't dominate, but Martin has upside.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien has consistently praised offensive line coach Mike Devlin, so it doesn't look like he'll be blamed for the terrible pass protection. In fairness, Watson does hold the football too long at times and create some of the elevated sack numbers.
"There's a lot of things that go into a sack," O'Brien said. "I've said that, and it's the truth. There's obviously offensive linemen maybe getting beat, or we miss a hot, we miss a sight adjust, the quarterback doesn't get rid of the ball on time, the receiver runs the wrong route. So there's a lot that goes into the sacks.
"The big thing is evaluate the roster. Every year the roster's different just by the nature of the draft and free agency and all those different things. We're not near there yet. We'll begin that process, though, right away this week."
On the roster, the Texans have a few options. One is promoting Martinas Rankin, a third-round draft pick from Mississippi State, and having him replace Lamm or Kelemete. Rankin didn't look very good at left tackle when he briefly played there.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James is a name to keep in mind when free agency starts.
Ole Miss offensive tackle Greg Little and Alabama lineman Jonah Williams aren't expected to last long in the first round, but Oklahoma standout Cody Ford could be available when the Texans are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick.
O'Brien indicated he would prefer to build through the draft than free agency.
"I don't think you want to build it through free agency," the coach said. "That's my personal belief. You want to build it through the draft so you can mold the guys."
I'm in! Let me know when we can manage this. Just in case, I might have some "throw down" stuff I can bring and "find" in his glove box. And since he can't prove his citizenship, we drive him to the border for an expedited removal.